Fiji Airways’ chief operating officer has publicly explained why some domestic airfares in the Northern Division have risen sharply, saying higher prices are driven by unavoidable operational costs and safety requirements. Gordon Penfold made the comments after readers and travellers flagged fares as high as $850 for a one-way Savusavu–Nadi ticket and $450 for Savusavu–Suva.
Penfold said Fiji’s domestic aviation market “operates within a unique environment, connecting geographically isolated islands with varying levels of demand.” He pointed to a mix of factors that shape pricing, including aircraft size, maintenance, airport and regulatory charges, weather and other operational constraints. “Domestic airfares are, therefore, largely driven by operational necessities and the need to at least cover the cost of those operations,” he said.
A key practical pressure on costs is infrastructure. Penfold noted that some northern airfields cannot accommodate larger aircraft, forcing Fiji Link to use smaller types that have higher per-seat operating costs. On routes such as Nadi–Taveuni and Nadi–Savusavu, Fiji Link currently deploys the 19‑seat DHC‑6 Twin Otter. Because of aerodrome performance requirements and the need to carry sufficient fuel for the return leg, the aircraft can carry only 14 guests to Taveuni and 15 to Savusavu, he said. As a result some seats must be left empty for weight-and-balance and fuel contingency reasons, reducing the number of revenue seats available on each flight.
Fuel remains another major cost driver. Penfold pointed out that global prices are fluctuating around US$100 a barrel, and such volatility “continues to have a direct impact on operating expenses.” He added that Japan, weather and other regulatory demands further compound cost pressures on thinly trafficked island routes where consistent load factors are hard to achieve.
Fiji Link’s fares, Penfold said, are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in demand and operating costs, with the airline seeking a balance between affordability and the long‑term sustainability of essential domestic services. He encouraged travellers to plan and book early, remain flexible on travel dates, and watch for sale fares and concessions for seniors and students. “We value customer feedback, which is continually reviewed and helps inform ongoing service and network planning,” he said.
The COO’s remarks come as Fiji Link has been expanding capacity elsewhere; the airline received a new ATR aircraft in January to bolster connectivity on higher‑demand routes. Penfold’s clarification underscores that while larger turboprops can serve some domestic and regional links, smaller airstrips in the north will still require lightweight aircraft until runways and other infrastructure are upgraded.
One concrete infrastructure improvement was also announced: runway strengthening and a terminal expansion at Labasa Airport have been completed and the airport is now open for business. Penfold said Fiji Link continues to work with aviation stakeholders to maintain safe, reliable services that support communities and the broader national economy.
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