Fiji Airports is navigating financial constraints as it seeks to improve its infrastructure, particularly at government-owned airports like Labasa Airport. The organization, led by CEO Mesake Nawari, has identified Nadi International Airport as its only profitable facility. This limitation hampers the availability of funds necessary for a comprehensive 25-year infrastructure development program aimed at enhancing the other 14 airports, including the long-awaited upgrades at Labasa Airport.
Nawari’s comments come in response to public inquiries about the delays in Labasa Airport’s development. In a recent positive development, a temporary terminal was opened at Labasa Airport a week ahead of schedule, achieved through extended working hours. This facility can accommodate 70 passengers and is part of an $8 million initiative to improve airport services. However, with a daily average of 200 passengers, the limited seating capacity may lead to congestion. To manage overflow, temporary structures have been set up outside.
Looking forward, plans are underway for a permanent terminal that will significantly enhance capacity to 138 seats and include a separate arrivals area. Construction for the new terminal is expected to commence soon and take approximately 18 months to complete.
The ongoing efforts to upgrade Labasa Airport have been long overdue, faced with hurdles like funding issues and setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, these recent advancements signify a commitment to modernizing Fiji’s airport infrastructure, which is anticipated to enhance travel experiences and possibly boost tourism—an essential sector for economic growth in Fiji’s future.
While Fiji Airports deals with financial challenges, these developments reflect a hopeful outlook for upgrading aviation infrastructure, promoting optimism for economic growth and revitalization in the region as improvements progress.
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