The suspension will remain in effect until all identified instances of non-compliance had been rectified to the satisfaction of the Civil Aviation Office. Photo: Facebook.com/Lulutai Airline Ltd
Dozens of travellers have been affected by domestic flight cancellations in Tonga after the aviation authority suspended the local airline's maintenance certificate.
In a statement, Tonga's Civil Aviation Office said Lulutai Airlines Ltd's Part 145 Maintenance Certificate has been suspended effective 19 July 2025.
It said this was due to confirmed breaches of civil aviation rules and that no maintenance operations may be conducted under this certificate.
The office said the suspension will remain in effect until all identified instances of non-compliance had been rectified to the satisfaction of the Civil Aviation Office.
It advised all affected parties to contact Lulutai Airlines Ltd directly for operational enquiries.
The government owned airline is the Kingdom's only domestic carrier.
On Monday, Matangi Tonga reported two of the airline's aircraft were grounded on Friday as a result of the suspension stranding Tourism Minister Mo'ale Finau and dozens of tourists on Ha'apai.
"There are not enough engineers in Tonga to take care of the planes." he said, and agreed, "Yes, this is a human error."
The minister said he understood Lulutai Airline's "big plane", an Air Chathams Saab 340, was still operating on the Tongatapu-Vava'u domestic service, but said it "cannot land in Ha'apai".
Darren Rice, a tourism operator at the Matafonua Island Lodge, said many visitors were booked to fly out of Ha'apai on Saturday and as of Monday had to reschedule their international flights more than once.
Rice said "it's an absolute disaster" with a ferry chartered to go and pick them up on Monday breaking down in Nuku'alofa.
Incoming visitors have also been affected arriving in Tongatapu only to find they cannot get to their booked accommodation in Ha'apai.
Lulutai has been in the media spotlight for multiple aviation compliance and safety issues since it began operations in 2020.
The Civil Aviation Office said it was committed to enforcing strict compliance with safety standards to ensure the protection of the travelling public.
It said further updates would be issued as required.
