Fiji Airways extends international flight cancellations through to the end of August

Fiji Airways has extended international flight cancellations through to the end of August.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen says the continued cancellations are due to prolonged border closures and travel restrictions as a consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

He says while the current international schedule for August is cancelled, the airline is preparing a new network plan which will be announced once border restrictions ease.

Viljoen further says the cancellation of August services allows them to prepare and position a new updated international schedule for deployment as soon as practical.

He adds they are encouraged by the recent move to ‘Phase 2’ for Fiji in its response to COVID-19, as well as a travel framework which allows for the creation of specific ‘air corridors’ with certain countries.

Viljoen says one such corridor under the framework is the ‘Bula Bubble with Fiji’s traditional markets - Australia and New Zealand adding this framework provides a clear path forward for the two countries to seriously consider opening borders to Fiji, thereby stimulating travel demand.

He says Fiji Airways is leading an Industry Taskforce alongside the Fijian health authorities to satisfy all requirements for safe international flying under the Government’s framework.

Viljoen adds that a new network plan for international services will see reduced flying and limited destinations internationally, as the world reels from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says they are contacting impacted guests who are booked to travel in August.