Fiji Airports is facing significant financial challenges while striving to upgrade its airport infrastructure, particularly at government-owned facilities like Labasa Airport. According to CEO Mesake Nawari, the only profitable airport managed by the organization is Nadi International Airport, which complicates funding for the necessary improvements at the 14 other government-owned airports, including Labasa.

Nawari emphasized that there is a lack of “free capital” available to support an ambitious 25-year infrastructure development program aimed at enhancing these facilities. His remarks followed inquiries about delays in the development of Labasa Airport, which has been long overdue for upgrades.

On a positive note, a temporary terminal at Labasa Airport recently opened a week ahead of schedule, thanks to extended working hours during its construction. This facility, designed to accommodate 70 passengers, was constructed as part of an $8 million initiative, with the expectation to eventually replace it with a permanent structure. This new terminal is projected to increase the seating capacity to 138 and will include a separate arrivals hall. Construction for the permanent terminal is expected to begin soon and is anticipated to take around 18 months to complete.

While the temporary terminal can only serve a small portion of the airport’s daily average of 200 passengers, additional temporary structures have been added outside to help manage passenger overflow and mitigate congestion.

The effort to upgrade Labasa Airport has encountered obstacles over the years, primarily due to funding constraints and delays exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recent developments signal a hopeful step towards modernizing Fiji’s airport infrastructure. With enhanced facilities, there is potential to improve travel experiences for both residents and tourists, ultimately benefiting local economies by boosting tourism—a vital component for Fiji’s growth.

In summary, as Fiji Airports navigates its financial constraints, the commitment to upgrading Labasa Airport reflects a broader vision for enhancing aviation infrastructure in the region. These developments not only promise to uplift passenger services but also kindle optimism for economic resilience and growth within Fiji’s aviation sector.