The collapse of Vanuatu’s national airline is being linked to the Pacific Island’s indebtedness to Chinese Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure projects, with pressure on the Albanese government to bail it out.
Air Vanuatu slipped into voluntary liquidation on Friday after suddenly cancelling dozens of its international flights, with airlines across the Pacific rushing to help rescue stranded passengers.
Ayesha de Kretser is a senior reporter with The Australian Financial Review covering the aviation and tourism sectors. She has previously reported on banking, mining and commodity markets. Connect with Ayesha on Twitter. Email Ayesha at ayesha.dekretser@afr.com.au
