Air Niugini - a PNG (Papua New Guinea) airline expanding to these islands
Island time. They have overloaded my Fokker 100 departing from Honiara. Oops. I’m just happy they figured that out before attempting take off.
The 3 hour flight is scheduled to transport me to Nadi, Fiji - where I connect to a flight for Port Villa, Vanuatu.
First they ask for 8 volunteers to deplane: and take next flight- two days from today.
No takers.
So the pilot announces they will be taking all the luggage off - and expects to departure in 10 minutes. Our luggage will follow us on Sundays flight.
Holy shit erupts among the passengers. The aisles are jammed with people. Some want off, others irate. They negotiate among themselves- what should they do? Almost all are Locals, with just 1-2 tourists like myself aboard.
I sit back, expecting the worst. Thankful for my Microsoft noise canceling headphones. Listening to ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ - the 1967 hit by Procol Harum - it recaptures my calmness. Practicing meditative breathing, slowing my heart - I tell myself it’s improving my diving skills.
At this rate, even if I get out without luggage I’ll miss my Fiji connection. And who knows when my luggage will get to Vanuatu - if ever. Good thing I bought extra dive equipment insurance.
Patience. So I sit and wait, body odor abounds. I watch from a window as they unload wooden crates and huge plastic rapped boxes. Definitely not normal passenger luggage.
Island time. Another hour passes - no announcement and passengers still fill the aisles.
We’re 2 hours late for departure already.
Still no further announcement.
Now some are offering to deplane. A group heading to Tonga for a Women’s conference seems to have volunteered. People are clapping. The woman’s group deplanes. Is there hope?
Another hour passes.
Still no further announcement.
Finally an announcement- we are to depart shortly. Turn off your electronics. Move your seats upright, close your tray tables.
I worry they have burned too much fuel in the last 3 hours. So I listen to Procol Harum again.
My 19th flight of this SEA and South Pacific adventure is airborne. Now for 3 hours of concern they still have my bags on board; and maybe, just maybe that my connection is late.
—- I can hope can’t I ?
The rest of the story ....
Well, I missed my connection. Here in Fiji for the night. Normal PIA rebooking, taxi, hotel logistic battles ensue. I was due ... my string of successful flights and connections had to end eventually. At least I have my luggage. So if I’m fortunate, I’ll make Vanuatu tomorrow.
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