07/07/2025
Important Notice Regarding Tongoa Flights
Last Saturday, our aircraft was forced to go around during landing at Tongoa airstrip due to cattle on the runway. The pilot reported that the gates were left wide open, indicating this has been done intentionally.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Repeated disregard for safety procedures continues to put flights, crews, and passengers at risk.
To address the ongoing issue, Unity Airlines is implementing the following changes for all Tongoa charters:
A 30% surcharge will apply to cover additional fuel costs from go-arounds and time spent cleaning aircrafts affected by cattle manure.
If a pilot is forced to abort landing more than twice, the flight will divert back to Port Vila, and no refund will be issued.
We remain fully committed to the highest standards of safety. Animals on the runway create a serious hazard, and we urge the local community to help ensure the airstrip is kept clear and secure at all times.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
— Unity Airlines Flight Operations Department
P.S. For those who may not understand the risk: search in google what can happen when animals are on the runway. Search for a Cessna Grand Caravan operated by Safarilink Aviation — crashed after hitting a cow during takeoff. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the damage was significant. Safety is not optional.
