A power failure on the domestic runway had forced a Lulutai aircraft to circle in the air for nearly an hour before making an emergency landing.
The Twin Otter plane was returning from Ha’apai on Tuesday night when it was notified of the power outage.
All efforts to restore the electricity were unsuccessful, forcing authorities to position two fire engines on the runway to guide the aircraft’s landing.
The two pilots and one passenger on board finally landed safely after experiencing 40 minutes of turmoil. There have been no reports of damage to the aircraft.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi, who also serves as the Minister of Civil Aviation, stated that Tonga Airport Limited (TAL) had been warned and that a full report detailing the incident has been ordered.
He told a press conference yesterday that TAL must “carry out their maintenance duties diligently.”
The Minister of Police Piveni Piukala said that an additional problem contributing to the incident is that the electrician resides about an hour’s drive from the airport.
He said that efforts by the electrician to provide guidance on resolving the problems over the phone were unsuccessful.
The Minister said there was a lack of an immediate emergency response, suggesting a need for improvements in this area.
He said that the lights had been repaired on Wednesday evening, March 12.
Mr Piukala said that the power failure seemed to have originated from water entering the system, which caused the lights to malfunction.
TAL could not be reached for comment.
TAL
The airport authorities had been recently involved in an alleged dispute following the previous administration’s privatization of Vava’u Airport, which transferred control to a New Zealand company.
Kaniva News had been reliably told some officials at TAL opposed the move.
The Eke government finally reversed the privatisation decision.
TAL continues to manage operations at Vava’u Airport.
Twin Otter
Lulutai Airlines’ Twin Otter aircraft is at the centre of controversy due to allegations of mismanagement, safety concerns, and financial irregularities surrounding the national carrier.
The Eke government has been conducting a review of the airlines and has indicated a possible shutdown after it was revealed that approximately $40 million has been invested in the controversial airline since its inception in 2020.
The plane is scheduled for approximately $3 million worth of maintenance next month, according to the government, raising concerns about how the TOP$15 million aircraft was purchased.
