02 Jun 2023 | 09:02 PM UTC
Tuvalu: Fuel shortage at Funafuti International Airport impacting Fiji Airways flights as of early June
Fuel shortage at Tuvalu's Funafuti International Airport impacting Fiji Airways services as of early June. Confirm flight arrangements.
Event
A fuel shortage and supply issues at Funafuti International Airport (FUN) are impacting Fiji Airways (FJ) flights between Tuvalu and Suva-Nausori International Airport (SUV) in Fiji as of early June. The situation is forcing Fiji Airways aircraft to carry sufficient fuel for the full round-trip journey between FUN and SUV, rather than refueling in Tuvalu for the return flight. This, in turn, requires that flights reduce the number of passengers on board in order to compensate for the weight of the increased fuel load. Airline officials report that some booked passengers are not being allowed to board their flights once the safe load weight limit has been reached; however, the carrier is attempting to place such individuals on the next available flight.
It remains unclear how long the fuel shortage may continue. Fiji Airways provides the island nation of Tuvalu with its only international passenger flight connections.
Advice
Contact travel provider to reconfirm flight status if booked to fly Fiji Airways' service to Tuvalu through at least June 6. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed.
