Air Pacific has had to off-load some passengers and bags on certain flights to Tuvalu to enable its ATR-42 aircraft to carry return fuel to the island.

The airline says there has been a shortage of aviation fuel in Tuvalu for the past two weeks.

It says it has brought the issue up regularly with Tuvalu Government authorities.

However – now it has been assured that processes have been put in place to ensure consistent supply of fuel, to enable its ATR-42 aircraft to re-fuel for
the return trip.

This means payload restrictions will ease, and the airline will be able to carry passengers to capacity.