Pacific / Samoa

Talofa Airways resumes flights after grounding

12:33 pm on 4 May 2018

Samoa's Talofa Airways is resuming flights on the Apia to Pago Pago route.

Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

A statement from the Apia-based airline says scheduled flights to and from American Samoa will commence on Monday Samoa time and Sunday in American Samoa.

Talofa Airways was grounded by the Samoa Civil Aviation Authority following an incident on April 24 with its Turbo Commando aircraft.

The flight from Fagalii to Pago Pago was diverted to Faleolo after the pilot noticed an engine issue.

The brakes overheated and burned after the pilot worked to slow down the engine on landing, according to the airline's CEO Toleafoa Jeffrey Hunter.

The Samoa Civil Aviation Authority was conducting an investigation into the incident.

Our correspondent in Pago Pago said efforts to find out its results had so far been unsuccessful.

Talofa Air passengers were accommodated on Samoa Airways or offered refunds.