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Virgin and Qantas both flew services from earthquake-stricken Vanuatu on Sunday after Port Vila reopened its airport.
Both carriers operated 737s to Brisbane, with further Virgin and Jetstar aircraft due to depart the capital today.
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The commercial relief flights came alongside a RAAF Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules working to bring 568 holidaymakers, workers and other returnees back home to Australia.
It comes after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila on Tuesday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 200. The relief situation was further complicated by a smaller earthquake hitting the country’s main island on Sunday, though no Tsunami warning was triggered.
Australia has already launched a $2 million response package, including a 64-person disaster assistance team, while the UN has separately co-ordinated a humanitarian flight to deliver telecoms equipment and medical supplies.
“My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. “This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance.”
A state of emergency is still in place across the island nation, with a seven-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Port Vila scheduled to end on 24 December.
“As of Saturday night (local time), over 80,000 people have been affected by Tuesday’s earthquake, with nearly 1,700 individuals temporarily displaced. Eleven evacuation centres are sheltering more than 1,200 people, while others are staying with host households,” said the UN.
“Immediate needs include access to clean water, food and healthcare, as communities face rising risks of waterborne diseases.
“Health services are also reported to be severely strained, with the Vanuatu Central Hospital requiring essential medical supplies and co-ordinated surge support to address critical gaps.”
Prior to the disaster, Jetstar, Virgin and Qantas all operated regular flights to Vanuatu.
Currently, Jetstar operates up to four times per week in peak periods using A321neo LRs from Sydney; Qantas flies three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays between Brisbane and Port Vila; while Virgin flies every day between Brisbane and Port Vila except Thursdays, with two return services on Saturdays.
Solomon Airlines also began operating services from Brisbane to Santo, returning via Port Vila, in July.
It comes after national carrier Air Vanuatu exited voluntary liquidation in October, with the airline returned to government control.
Under a Deed of Compromise approved by the country’s Supreme Court, all shares in Air Vanuatu have been turned over to the government-owned company AV3, and the airline handed back to its management.
Liquidator EY Australia confirmed in June that it had received non-binding offers for the Vanuatuan flag carrier, which went into voluntary liquidation in May and owed at least $99 million. However, no sale eventuated.
