A number of large carriers, including Air New Zealand and Qantas, have suspended operations to Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila (Vanuatu), stating that the poor condition of the runway does not adhere to the internationally recognised standards and could potentially compromise passenger safety. Concerns were originally reported immediately after category 5 tropical Cyclone Pam struck Vanuatu in March 2015. Since then, carriers have raised concerns about the poor condition of the runway. In January 2016, Air New Zealand Qantas and Virgin Australia all announced that they would be suspending operations to Port Vila, until the runway could be adequately repaired.

Despite this, Air Vanuatu and Fiji Airways continue to operate small turbo-prop ATR aircraft to and from the airport. Air Vanuatu has defended its continued operations at the airport and has referenced an independent report conducted by the Australian-based Aviation Consultation group (ACG), that states the runway condition is satisfactory and has deemed it safe for normal operations. The report also claims that the runway is free from any Foreign Object Debris (FOD); however, it suggested that it be routinely subjected to extensive sweeping operations until the surface repairs can be completed. Additionally, the report recommended that Vanuatu’s Airport Authority remove the excess water during heavy rainfall to protect against the threat of hydroplaning.

In March 2015, the government of Vanuatu announced that Port Vila’s runway was to undergo extensive resurfacing and maintenance, funded by a USD59.5 Million concessional loan from the World Bank with work expected to commence this year.

Germany’s Transport ministry has initiated plans to implement random on-the-spot drug testing for flight crew operating within Germany. This new legislation comes after the crash of Germanwings flight 9525, in which it is believed the first officer deliberately flew the A320 aircraft into the Swiss Alps, killing all 150 on board. Investigators have found evidence to suggest the first officer was suffering severe depression and had been prescribed anti-depressant medication, of which he had not disclosed to the airline. Drug testing is planned to be conducted by the individual airlines with the aim to reduce the risk of a similar accident reoccurring.

The South Korean Transport Ministry is planning to undertake a complete safety review of the nation’s budget airlines. The ministry noted that all low cost carriers would be exposed to an overall inspection of their flight operations and safety management, including all maintenance records and procedures. The review aims to determine each carrier’s adherence to international safety standards and regulations. This safety probe was prompted after an incident involving a Jin Air Boeing 737, one of South Korea’s six low cost carriers, where it was found that one of its doors had not been sealed properly and was leaking air (resulting in pressurisation difficulties).