Fiji Airports Limited (FAL) said their decision to impose a 19 ton weight restriction on flight operations at Labasa airport was based on a critical safety decision.
FAL adds the current pavement strength at Labasa Airport cannot safely support ATR 72-600 or C-27J Spartan aircraft at their maximum take-off weight.
This is based on Pavement Classification Rating (PCR) findings submitted by Beca Consultants which conducted assessments and provide the necessary PCR ratings for all existing aerodromes.
“The imposition of a 19,000kg weight limit for ATR 72 operations at Labasa Airport is a critical safety decision that Fiji Airports has undertaken based on the recent engineering pavement assessment study undertaken by BECA Consultants,” said Fiji Airports CEO Mesake Nawari.
He said this assessment was in compliance with the new international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),”
“To turn a blind eye on the Labasa PCR pavement assessment is a blatant disregard for safety that could be catastrophic.”
He said in light of the revised PCR rating for Labasa, this safety case is currently being reviewed to allow ATR 700 62 operations.
“Fiji Airports remains committed to working closely with Fiji Link and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji to ensure that all operations continue to meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.
“We are actively exploring remediation options for Labasa Airport’s pavement to restore full operational capacity in the future.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to passengers and the traveling public and assure all stakeholders that these measures are necessary to maintain safe operations.”
