On Tuesday night, a Lulutai Airlines Twin Otter aircraft returning from Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha’apai encountered a runway light malfunction at Fua’amotu Airport, leading to an hour-long delay before landing.
The flight, scheduled to land at 9:30 p.m., found the runway lights inoperative upon arrival. The aircraft circled the airport as technicians worked to resolve the issue. After an hour without success, two fire trucks were positioned to illuminate the runway, enabling the plane to land safely.
Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Paula Piukala, noted that returning to Ha’apai was considered; however, the aircraft lacked sufficient hydraulic oil for the return journey.
The Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha’apai started night operations since its first runway lights were commissioned in August last year.
Both pilots with one passenger were unharmed during the incident.
Lulutai Airlines operates five daily flights: three to Vava’u and two to Ha’apai. The twin otter was commissioned in 2023 adding a third to the Lulutai’s fleet of two since 2020.
