The Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu has put national carrier Air Vanuatu into voluntary liquidation, liquidator EY said on Thursday, with the aim of resuming normal operations as soon as possible after conducting safety and maintenance checks.

Air Vanuatu has cancelled international flights for four days and is considering bankruptcy protection for the South Pacific state-owned carrier

Troubled airline had earlier cancelled flights to Australia and New Zealand, citing ‘maintenance’ requirements

Air Vanuatu said on Thursday it had cancelled international flights for the rest of the week, as the Pacific Island nation's government considered placing its national carrier into voluntary administration.