FLIGHTS TO BALALAE SHORTLANDS CANCELLED
Solomon Airlines Logo. Photo credit: SIBC.
State-Owned Enterprise, Solomon Airlines has suspended its flights to and from Balalae airstrip in the Shortland Islands following reports of failure by the Civil Aviation authorities to pay the maintenance contractor.
SIBC stringer for Shortland Islands John Kotaru reports, the flights have been suspended for the past two weeks because the maintenance contractor had stopped cleaning the airstrip.
He says the contractor claims Civil Aviation authorities have failed to pay his maintenance due of around 70-thousand dollars – an outstanding fee left behind by the last government.
Mr. Kotaru says the flight suspension is causing inconveniences for intending passengers and especially referral patients.
“This has caused great concern for travelling passengers who have booked return airfares especially at this point in time as they look forward to returning to work. Not only these but intending passengers and hospital referrals as well are also affected.