Technical issues delay Fiji Airways' SFO-NAN flights

The spokesperson for Fiji Airways commented: "Fiji Airways regrets to inform customers that Flight FJ871, scheduled to depart from San Francisco (SFO), has been cancelled. The flight was initially delayed last night due to a mechanical issue identified during pre-departure procedures. Despite the airline’s best efforts it has not been possible to resolve this fully and the decision has been taken to recover the service using a second aircraft that will fly up to San Francisco this evening."

Passengers have started arranging alternative travel plans at their own expense due to ongoing disruptions but have yet received any compensation from Fiji Airways.

The specific nature of the mechanical problem affecting the Airbus A330-200 has not been disclosed by either passengers or the airline. The affected aircraft is an 11.6-year-old model capable of seating 273 passengers across business and economy classes.

Fiji Airways currently operates four Airbus A330s and four A350-900 aircraft within its fleet.

As December marks a busy travel season coinciding with Christmas and New Year's celebrations, airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are preparing for high passenger volumes through early January 2025.