Hawaiian Airlines temporarily suspending its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian flights
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Hawaiian Airlines will temporarily suspend its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger flights and cargo services between Honolulu (HNL) and Moloka‘i (MKK) and Lāna‘i (LNY), beginning Nov. 1. The move leaves travelers with mobility limitations with one less way to travel between the Hawaiian islands.
Sign up for TPG’s daily newsletter
Service between Honolulu and Kapalua (JHM) in West Maui has been suspended since March.
The airline announcement referenced multiple economic challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, including furloughing 2,500 employees in the wake of the recently expired Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Payroll Support Program. Hawaiian Airlines also placed the blame for low travel demand on the state’s quarantine restrictions, which impacted the carrier’s ability to fully staff pilots for ‘Ohana by Hawaiian service — a provision stated in the pilots’ union contract.
Related: Is Hawaii open for travelers? A reopening guide
‘Ohana by Hawaiian, launched in 2014, provides the only wheelchair-accessible commercial air transportation between the Hawaiian islands, as well as cargo-only services.
Hawaii State Representative Lynn Decoite called the suspension “a health issue” for both Molokai and Lanai. “We cannot leave this on the side burner,” Decoite said. “This has to be addressed so that we could give them accessibility.”
Related: Deal alert: Hawaii flights from the mainland from $256 round trip nonstop
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram said that the airline hopes to restore ‘Ohana service as soon as inter-island travel demand recovers significantly. “While we are disappointed at being unable to avoid the service suspension, this is a difficult situation for both Hawaiian… as we navigate an incredibly challenging period, and we all remain committed to returning flights to communities that rely on ‘Ohana by Hawaiian.” However, the airline acknowledged that pre-pandemic travel demands are “unlikely to occur anytime soon.”
The union which represents Hawaiian Airlines pilots has agreed to lift the contractual provision if additional PSP funding is approved by the federal government and Hawaiian utilizes the stimulus stipend to bring furloughed employees back to its payroll.
Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren’t
The airline said it has reached out to guests impacted by the suspension to offer refunds where needed.
Featured photo by ejs9/Getty Images.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,600
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 3X points on dining and 2x points on travel, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.