Statement from Royal Tongan Airlines

Tuesday, 27 April 2004, 2:28 pm
Press Release: Royal Tongan Airlines

Royal Tongan Airlines International Services Suspended

Auckland, New Zealand, Monday, April 26, 2004

Royal Tongan Airlines confirmed today that negotiations are under way to secure seats on other airlines for passengers affected by the suspension of its international services.

The airline said some 500 passengers had been affected since the cessation of services on Thursday.

Many of the passengers who were away from home have taken advantage of special one-way airfares offered by Air New Zealand in order to return. These airfares are $249 for travel to/from Auckland/Tonga and $349 for travel to/from Auckland/Rarotonga and to/from Tonga/Sydney. Passengers holding tickets for homeward flights on Royal Tongan Airlines must contact Air New Zealand direct and present their ticket to access these fares.

During the next three weeks some 1,300 passengers were booked to travel on Royal Tongan Airlines. Many of these have been re-accommodated.

Royal Tongan Airlines apologises for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of international services and confirms that domestic flights remain unaffected.

Ends

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