COVID-19 exacerbated that situation, and $500,000 in damages from a bird strike incident in Vava'u in May 2020 involving the Saab 340 forced the airline to close.

[citation needed] Lulutai Airlines connects Tonga's primary airport at Tongatapu (near the capital Nukuʻalofa) with ʻEua, Vava'u, Ha'apai, Niuafo'ou, and Niuatoputapu.

According to the airline's website, it is planning to offer international service to Fiji, Niue, and New Zealand in the future, however it provided no expected launch dates.

"[6] Fiji Airways announced that it would support operations from February through June while the airline's Saab aircraft is undergoing urgent repairs that may take up to four months to complete.

In February 2023, the Australian government announced that it would help develop a business plan to aid Lulutai Airlines and help it serve the island of Vava'u while the repairs were being completed.