Sources indicate that a “miracle” would be necessary for the opening of a multi-million-dollar hangar project within the next two months at COMO Laucala Island. However, once completed, this facility is expected to boost employment numbers for the destination.
The tourism operator’s project in Nadi has faced numerous delays, often with multiple announcements of “Coming Soon” openings due to its inconsistent construction history. While the luxury lounge at Nadi International Airport is operational, the hangar was originally planned to be unveiled by the end of this year.
Once the hangar at Nadi Airport is finished, it will enable a seamless transfer experience for guests traveling to and from Kokomo Private Island. According to COMO Laucala Island, visitors arriving on international flights will be greeted at the information desk in the arrivals area before being taken directly to the luxury lounge. The lounge will offer refreshments, entertainment, a playroom for families, and shower facilities for guests to refresh after long flights. Upon departure, guests will again benefit from the luxury lounge while awaiting their connecting flights out of Fiji.
Delays in the hangar’s completion have been attributed in part to construction issues, including a “wrong mix of concrete” used in the connecting apron, which required removal and replacement.
In 2019, the establishment of COMO Laucala Island’s $45 million luxury lounge and hangar was announced. A stop order was issued in 2022 for construction at the Nadi site, but this order was lifted in 2023.
Laucala Island is known as a high-end destination frequented by wealthy individuals, according to Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who noted that the delays in the hangar’s development were partly due to complications in the investment sector. COMO Laucala Island serves as a private resort in Fiji, featuring an airstrip for private planes and 25 luxurious villas, alongside three aircraft that have been in operation for years.