A labasa businessman believes the closure of the Labasa airport could have serious consequences for local businesses, potentially costing millions of dollars.
Satish Kumar said the six-week shutdown, from February 16 to March 27, would disrupt trade, travel and the town’s economy.
“This is the only airport serving Labasa. People will have to spend hundreds of extra dollars to fly from Savusavu,” Mr Kumar said.
He said small businesses relied heavily on timely deliveries and the closure of the airport would severely disrupt their operations.
“Small businesses that rely on timely deliveries could face major losses, and tourism and transport sectors will also suffer.”
He said a wider consultation should have been conducted first before any decision was made for the closure of the airport.
“Proper alternative plans should have been developed. Without urgent measures, the economic impact could be devastating.”
Apart from businesses, he said, the community faces increased inconvenience and travel costs.
“The local economy is at risk. People’s livelihoods depend on timely access to transport and trade. Immediate action is needed to reduce the impact.”
It is understood that the closure was revealed to government heads, representatives from the Labasa Chambers of Commerce and Labasa Town Council last year.
The meeting was held with two representatives from Fiji Airports at the Commissioner’s Northern Office.
Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the planned upgrade at Labasa Airport was a crucial investment in aviation safety and infrastructure resilience for the Northern Division
“While the closure may cause short-term inconvenience, it is essential to ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and sustainability of aircraft operations at Labasa,” he said.
Mr Nawari said it was important to note that this project does not involve a runway extension.
“The temporary closure is necessary to ensure the safe and timely completion of the works.”
Given that major excavation, stabilisation, and drainage installation would occur within the active runway area, he said it is not feasible to maintain aircraft operations concurrently.
