A new tender document by Fiji Airports has revealed significant operational and development constraints at Nadi International Airport, prompting plans for a major feasibility study into a proposed cross runway.
According to the document, the existing Runway 09/27 — measuring 2,134 metres in length and 45 metres in width — is limiting the airport’s future expansion and capacity.
The runway currently operates under “grandfathering rights” due to a non-compliant 180-metre-wide runway strip, which restricts further upgrades.
The document states that these limitations also affect terminal development, with current obstacle limitation surfaces preventing the parking of larger aircraft beyond Code C jets on parts of the airport.
“Operationally, the runway is limited to Code C jets. Therefore, all Code E operations must use Runway 02/20,” the document noted.
Airfield capacity is further constrained by the absence of parallel taxiways.
To address these challenges, Fiji Airports is proposing what it describes as its largest project to date — the development of a new cross runway at Nadi International Airport.
“The proposed cross runway is the largest project ever contemplated by Fiji Airports… of critical importance at both a corporate and national level,” the document states.
A feasibility study will assess whether the cross runway is the best solution to support future growth, or if alternative and more cost-effective options exist.
Key considerations include evaluating operational, technical, environmental and economic factors, as well as exploring alternatives such as the development of a new terminal in the Namaka precinct.
The study will also examine emerging technologies that could delay the need for a new runway and conduct cost-benefit and sensitivity analyses.
The findings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the long-term development of Nadi International Airport and Fiji’s aviation sector.
