LABASA Airport is scheduled to close for six weeks next year.
Labasa Town Council chair Paul Jaduram said the closure would be scheduled for February 16 to March 22.
He said only a few residents attended a meeting on Thursday where plans were disclosed.
Mr Jaduram said residents expressed concern that the closure could affect businesses, travel, and essential services.
“I’m not sure what the reason was, but the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Association, and the Commissioner Northern were among those who attended,” Mr Jaduram said.
“The meeting was organised to discuss the temporary closure of the airport.”
He said a team would arrive in Labasa next week to conduct a socioeconomic survey to assess the possible impacts of the shutdown.
“This is to allow some upgrade works to be completed,” Mr Jaduram said.
He said while the temporary closure may cause short-term inconvenience, it was a necessary step toward improving facilities and boosting future air services.
“In the long run, these works will benefit everyone.”
