Taxpayers will likely pick up the shortfall after a number of people took early flights to Aitutaki’s Bicentennial celebrations, leaving Parliament with the bill for empty seats.

The Cook Islands Parliament posted the seats for sale online on their social media page late Thursday afternoon.

Parliament is selling 80 seats to and from Aitutaki on Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27.

Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere said a number of people who were supposed to be aboard those flights had taken earlier flights to the celebrations. They include government officials, Opposition members and members from the Religious Advisory Council.

The flights had been paid for by Parliament, at an estimated $283 per return ticket.

Parliament was offered them for sale at around $200, Vainerere said.

“That is why we are selling the seats, to recover the money,” he said.

“Selling them at the last minute doesn’t get the full amount back.”

Vainerere said Parliament did not allow the shortfall to happen, as it was out of their control.

He said it took a long time for Cabinet to approve the flights, which were only approved this week.

“Approval came back for flights to be paid for only this week.

“That’s the problem, when the approval didn’t happen, they made their own arrangements, they organised a charter flight.

“Cabinet was responsible, they make decisions when they are able to, it was not a simple decision.”

Vainerere said it was always unfortunate when things didn’t go to plan.

“It is beyond my control, I am only responsible for what we ask Cabinet to do.”