Fiji Airports has presented the Nadi International Airport Airside Master Plan to Prime Minister and Minister for Public Enterprises, Sitiveni Rabuka. The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and has pledged the government’s full support for the implementation of the plan.
He highlighted the need for stakeholders to collaborate effectively to overcome existing capacity issues within Fiji’s travel industry. Rabuka stressed the importance of ensuring that visitors have a positive experience in Fiji, particularly as the country sees a surge in tourist arrivals.
The Master Plan aims to accommodate the rising passenger and cargo traffic and aligns with Fiji Airports’ goal of becoming the premier aviation hub in the Blue Pacific region. According to Fiji Airports CEO Mesake Nawari, presenting the updated plan to the government is vital as significant construction work is expected to commence soon.
The updated Master Plan, prepared by the respected aviation consultancy Landrum & Brown, outlines a 25-year development strategy, with major projects slated to take place between 2025 and 2033 at an estimated cost of $1 billion FJD. Nawari emphasized the importance of this presentation in shedding light on upcoming projects that will begin next year.
This initiative coincides with Fiji Airports’ celebration of its 25th anniversary, with 18 projects already planned for the Nadi International Airport Master Plan covering 2024 to 2033. Planned improvements include upgrading existing facilities, constructing new gates and a modern domestic terminal, expanding parking lots, and replacing outdated passenger boarding tunnels.
Additionally, the master plan includes a fleet replacement plan, highlighted by the introduction of 14 electric vehicles for Nadi International Airport earlier this year. Other elements of the plan encompass extending the departure lounge, adding off-gate aprons, constructing a new transit hotel, and establishing photovoltaic solar installations.
Fiji Airports, a fully-owned government commercial entity, manages 15 airports across the country, including Nadi International Airport and Nausori Airport. The successful execution of the master plan is anticipated to drive economic growth in Fiji.