Islanders in the remote Torres Group are raising concerns over the high cost of transportation, with travel by boat to Sola on Vanualava reportedly costing more than 100,000 Vatu — a price out of reach for many families.

Area Administrator for the Torres Group, Dick Richard, told VBTC News that the lack of regular flights is forcing residents to rely on expensive boat travel, causing major disruptions to education, health access, and general mobility.

“It is very challenging for our sick patients and our children,” Richard said. “Some of our students wait one to two months to travel by ship. In one school term, they may only attend classes for one week and then spend two weeks on holiday, missing out on important lessons.”

He said Torres is supposed to be the first island group of Vanuatu but is falling behind due to transport limitations.

“When leaders travel to Sola, they prefer to use Air Vanuatu. But with no regular flights and costly boat fares, it’s impossible for ordinary people to travel unless they use local boats,” he said.

MP Responds with Support Plan

Member of Parliament for the Torres Constituency, John Joseph, confirmed he is aware of the situation and has taken steps to seek immediate solutions.

“I was on the ground this week and saw the problem myself. The plane was so full I had to remove some of my own cargo to make space for the people,” he said.

He said he has spoken with the Minister of Health to find alternative support, including deploying Helper 1 to assist the Torres Group and pushing for better shipping services in Torba Province.

Possible Flight Resumption in August

A reliable source at Air Vanuatu told VBTC News that flights are currently limited to key airports including Luganville, Sola, Norsup, and Craig Cove.

However, Torres is under consideration for resumed service around August this year.