Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu- According to 88.1 FM Letio ae Kakai Tonga, fresh concerns have been raised over Lulutai Airlines after the national domestic carrier once again came under scrutiny following an incident reported last week involving one of its flights to Vava’u.
While investigations into the latest incident are continuing and the full circumstances have yet to be officially established, the development has renewed public concerns about aviation safety and the airline’s operational reliability.
This is not the first time Lulutai Airlines has faced serious questions over technical problems involving its aircraft.
On 8 December 2023, a Lulutai Airlines Saab 340B experienced problems with its hydraulic system while operating a scheduled flight from Fuaʻamotu to Lupepauʻu Airport in Vavaʻu. The aircraft abandoned its approach and returned to Tongatapu.
After landing safely at Fuaʻamotu, the aircraft later lost braking pressure while taxiing and left the designated taxiway area, striking a disused concrete refuelling bund. The aircraft’s right landing gear subsequently collapsed. All 35 passengers and three crew members were evacuated, with no reported injuries.
The incident was investigated by Tonga’s aviation authorities. A subsequent official investigation identified a tripped circuit breaker affecting hydraulic-system indications, while maintenance-related issues were also among the matters examined.
As authorities continue investigating last week’s incident, fresh questions are being raised over the safety, maintenance and operational challenges facing Tonga’s domestic airline.
The public will now be waiting for a clear and transparent explanation from Lulutai Airlines and the relevant aviation authorities once the facts surrounding the latest incident have been established.
