Air Pacific will suspend its flights to Christmas Island this week because of a deteriorating runway which the company believes may compromise the safety of its passengers.
Air Pacific chief executive officer and managing director John Campbell said the decision is regrettable, particularly when Air Pacific is the only air service to the island.
Campbell, in a statement, said Air Pacific operational personnel and specialist runway engineers from New Zealand inspected the runway before the decision was made.
“Air Pacific will maintain close communication with the government of Kiribati on progress toward the necessary resurfacing and stands ready to provide support and advice should this be required,” said Campbell.
The Nadi-Christmas Island-Honolulu route was operated under a quasi charter arrangement for the government of Kiribati by Air Pacific since Oct. 2005.
