Vanuatu's Santo airport bars larger planes, disrupting island flights

Travellers flying to Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu face disrupted or cancelled flights after local authorities blocked larger aircraft from using the island's international airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) imposed the restriction because the airport's rescue and firefighting services are not operational.

Key facts

• From 5 November 2026, aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats cannot operate at Santo International Airport.
• The bar stays in place until the airport's rescue and firefighting services are fully operational.
• Air Vanuatu's Port Vila–Santo–Port Vila and Santo–Port Vila–Santo services cannot run while the restriction applies.
• The rule also covers other airlines flying on behalf of Air Vanuatu.
• Australia's Smartraveller issued an update for Vanuatu on 9 November 2026.

What is happening at Santo International Airport?

Local authorities have stopped aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats from operating at Santo International Airport on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island. Australia's Smartraveller said the measure took effect on 5 November and will remain until the airport's rescue and firefighting services are fully restored.

Air Vanuatu announced the suspension last week following the safety restriction imposed by CAAV. As a result, its Port Vila–Santo–Port Vila and Santo–Port Vila–Santo flight services cannot operate while the restriction is in force, and the same restriction applies to other airlines operating on behalf of Air Vanuatu.

Why is the airport restricted?

CAAV imposed the safety restriction because the airport's rescue and firefighting vehicles are currently not operational. Air Vanuatu chief executive Philippe Busson said the airline supports the regulatory decision despite the impact on travellers. "The safety of our passengers and crew comes first," he said.

Busson said the airline is working with CAAV and Airports Vanuatu Limited and will resume flights to Santo on larger aircraft once CAAV gives clearance. No date for that clearance has been announced.

What should affected travellers do?

Smartraveller urged travellers to reconfirm flights with their travel agent or airline. If travel is affected, it said to contact your travel insurer and airline to discuss alternative arrangements.

What this means for travellers

Anyone booked on services between Port Vila and Santo should check directly with their airline or agent before travelling, as the affected routes cannot operate while the restriction stands. Travellers planning to fly into Espiritu Santo on larger aircraft should be prepared for schedule changes and discuss alternatives with their airline and insurer if their trip is disrupted.

Is there anything else to know?

In a further update, Vanuatu's Ministry of Health declared an Influenza A outbreak in Port Vila and on Efate Island, and Smartraveller warned that other respiratory viruses may also be circulating. It advised travellers to practise good hygiene and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Overall, travellers are told to exercise normal safety precautions in Vanuatu.

Further updates are expected as CAAV and Airports Vanuatu Limited work to restore the airport's rescue and firefighting services.