FIJI Airports CEO Mesake Nawari maintains the temporary closure of the Labasa Airport from February 16 to March 27 will proceed.
Responding to a report by this newspaper published on February 7 that quoted iTaukei Lands Trust Board CEO Solomoni Nata saying the project could not proceed unless a planning exercise by the Asian Development Bank was finalised, Mr Nawari said the scheduled closure would go ahead for critical runway pavement strengthening works.
He said the closure was necessary to facilitate essential runway upgrades that were vital to long-term safety, structural integrity, and continued compliance with international aviation standards.
As a result, flights to the Northern Division would be rediverted to Savusavu Airport.
“To minimise disruption to travellers, businesses, and the wider Northern Division, Fiji Airways (Fiji Link) will operate 44 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport, while Northern Air will operate two daily flights on the Savusavu route throughout the closure period.
“To support travellers’ movement, normal bus services will continue to operate as usual. Passengers with direct hotel bookings in the Northern Division will also be provided with minibus pick-up schedules. Timetables and route information will be shared shortly through Fiji Airports’ official channels and social media platforms.”
Mr Nawari said the decision to temporarily close Labasa Airport was not taken lightly but was necessary due to the nature of the runway works.
“These runway upgrades are critical to addressing existing structural issues and ensuring ongoing compliance with international aviation safety standards,” he said.
“We remain committed to maintaining air connectivity for Vanua Levu during this period and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these essential works.”
According to Fiji Airports, the runway strengthening project is funded under the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu (Na Vualiku Project), supported by the World Bank.
Mr Nawari also clarified that three key projects are currently underway at Labasa Airport; the construction of the new terminal building, runway strengthening works scheduled to commence on February 16 and a series of broader feasibility studies and master planning exercises under the Na Vualiku Project to assess the long-term development of Labasa Airport and the wider Vanua Levu region, including the possibility of a new airport.
