Tonga Hit by Flight Cancellations After Local Airline’s Maintenance Certificate Suspended

Tonga is currently facing a crisis in its domestic air travel sector after the government-owned Lulutai Airlines had its maintenance certificate suspended by the Civil Aviation Office. This has led to the cancellation of multiple flights, leaving both locals and tourists stranded across the islands.

In a statement, the Civil Aviation Office confirmed that Lulutai Airlines Ltd's Part 145 Maintenance Certificate has been suspended effective July 19, 2025, due to breaches of civil aviation rules. The suspension means that no maintenance operations can be conducted under this certificate until all non-compliance issues are resolved to the office's satisfaction.

The suspension has already had immediate consequences, with two of the airline's aircraft grounded. Tourism Minister Mo'ale Finau was among those stranded on Ha'apai, along with dozens of tourists. He admitted that the lack of qualified engineers in Tonga is a major factor in the situation, stating that "there are not enough engineers in Tonga to take care of the planes."

Darren Rice, a tourism operator at the Matafonua Island Lodge, described the situation as a "disaster." Many visitors had planned to leave Ha'apai on Saturday but had to reschedule their international flights multiple times. A ferry chartered to assist stranded travelers broke down, adding to the chaos.

The issue is not new—Lulutai Airlines has faced scrutiny over aviation compliance and safety issues since its operations began in 2020. The Civil Aviation Office reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict safety standards to protect the public.

The airline is the Kingdom's only domestic carrier, and the suspension is expected to have far-reaching implications for both the tourism sector and local communities reliant on air travel. As the situation unfolds, the Civil Aviation Office has urged affected parties to contact Lulutai Airlines directly for further information.