ONLY a single meeting was held with two staff members of the Fiji Airports on the discussion of the six-week closure of the Labasa Airport.
This was the response of the Labasa Town Council chair, Paul Jaduram, after he was asked how many times they had met with Fiji Airports staff before any decisions were made on the closure.
Mr Jaduram said they had only met the Fiji Airports officials just once at the Commissioner Northern’s Office, where the discussions centred on the closure.
“That was the only meeting we had,” he said.
Also, part of the meeting was the Labasa Chambers of Commerce president, Vinesh Dayal. Attempts to get interviews from Mr Dayal remained futile when this edition went to press.
However, businesswoman Amelia Simmons confirmed she was also part of the discussion group.
“I understand this has to be done,” she said.
Ms Simmons said businesspeople should plan ahead of the six-week closure.
“Safety comes first in ensuring the runway can support ATR 72 aircraft.”
This follows a statement released by Fiji Airports stating “consultations” have been carried out with stakeholders.
“This includes the Commissioner Northern’s Office, the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, businesses in Labasa, and the Savusavu Tourism Association.”
The temporary shutdown, set for February 16 to March 27, 2026, is to allow major runway strengthening works funded by the World Bank under the Na Vualiku Project.
Fiji Airports stated the upgrade would improve the runway’s pavement classification rating.
“It will help in maintaining compliance with safety and operational standards for critical aircraft, reduce pavement fatigue, extend the runway’s life span, and ensure more reliable, safer flight operations.”
The statement read they were working with airline partners and transport stakeholders to finalise transport arrangements and ensure travel options for passengers were available during the temporary closure.
