As a spat between Virgin Australia and the Samoa government rages on, thousands of travellers booked on flights from Auckland face major disruption.
Virgin had its application to fly five times a week between Apia and Auckland declined just a month before flights were due to start.
As many as 6,000 passengers could be affected.
Virgin had operated a joint venture on the route with the Samoan government for several years but that was ended as Samoa is setting up its own airline in partnership with Fiji Airways.
Virgin still has authority for flights to Apia from Brisbane and Sydney and will look to reroute most passengers.
"Virgin Australia is disappointed with the Samoan government’s decision. At this stage, we are working in conjunction with the Australian government to explore options to encourage the Samoan government to reconsider its decision,” Virgin said.
That is highly unlikely.
Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi criticised the airline and said there will be no U-turn on its decision.
"We are an island nation attempting to re-start jet services – we are being treated in this manner by a multinational company in response. We therefore have no choice but to stand against any efforts to destroy that goal for our people."
"It was made clear to Virgin that they are free under the license terms to fly direct from Australia to Samoa and return but Auckland is no longer accessible," a government statement said.
”It is very common for airlines to sell tickets prior to regulatory approval being granted and all passengers who purchased tickets were advised that the ticket was still subject to relevant regulatory approvals," Virgin said, adding that re-accommodating or refunding passengers is a ‘matter of priority.’
