SUVA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Fiji Airways restarted commercial passenger operations to Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu, on Monday, after days of suspension following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Vanuatu on Dec. 17.

According to Fiji Airways, the aircraft carried 98 passengers, including a Fiji government relief team, returning Vanuatu nationals and residents as well as aid workers, with a payload of assistance goods onboard.

Also on board was a Fiji Airways ground team to service the aircraft at Port Vila and prepare for its return journey.

The Fijian national carrier resumed its normal schedule on Monday afternoon and further services will be operated on Tuesday.

The earthquake in Vanuatu last week has killed at least 14 people, injured more than 200 and caused widespread damage, with homes flattened and vehicles destroyed.

A Fiji military team has been sent to Vanuatu as part of Fiji's broader commitment to support neighboring nations in times of crisis, as the country stands in solidarity with Vanuatu during its recovery from the devastating earthquake. Enditem

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