Marianas Variety reported Wednesday that all United Airlines flights into and out of Majuro, capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, have been suspended indefinitely.

The reason: Lack of action on a two-year-old engineering evaluation that warned the airport terminal roof is at “high risk” for collapse.

adopt
Amata Kabua International Airport in the Marshall Islands. April Estrellon/Civil Beat /2018

The suspension effectively cuts off passenger travel, as United is the only international carrier servicing the Marshalls and its population of about 60,000.

It will, however, still fly to Kwajalein Atoll, which is also in the RMI and is home to a U.S. missile testing site and base.

“While initially Asia Pacific Airlines mail, cargo and tuna export flights were also in question, it appeared Wednesday that the regularly scheduled APA flight this Friday will happen,” according to reporter Giff Johnson.

In November 2021, United moved out of its office in the main terminal building, “citing the unsafe conditions.”

16 years ago, Civil Beat did not exist.

Civil Beat exists today because thousands of readers like you read, shared and donated to keep our stories free and accessible to all. Now we need your support to continue this critical work.

Give now and support our spring campaign to raise $100,000 from 250+ donors by May 15. Mahalo for making this work possible!

About the Author