Fiji Airports has announced that the Labasa Airport currently cannot accommodate ATR 72-600 or C-27J Spartan aircraft at their maximum take-off weight due to pavement strength concerns. This assessment was conducted by Beca Consultants, which provided findings based on their Pavement Classification Rating (PCR) evaluations for the airport.
According to Fiji Airports CEO Mesake Nawari, a weight restriction of 19,000kg for ATR 72 operations has been implemented as a safety precaution following these engineering assessments. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), underscoring that ignoring the recent pavement assessment could pose severe safety risks.
In light of these findings, Fiji Airports is currently reviewing safety cases to permit limited operations of the ATR 700 62 models. Nawari reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaborating closely with Fiji Link and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji to ensure ongoing operations align with the highest safety standards.
Fiji Airports is also actively considering remedial measures to improve the pavement condition at Labasa Airport to restore its full operational capacity in the future. The CEO expressed regret over any inconvenience caused to passengers and assured stakeholders that these necessary measures are focused on ensuring safety.
This follows a recent similar scenario where Fiji Link faced a weight restriction at Labasa Airport, resulting in a significant decrease in seating availability for its ATR72 services. The challenges related to the runway surfaces have prompted collaborative efforts for remedial plans to restore normal operations soon.
While the current limitations might disrupt travel plans, they are fundamentally geared towards securing a safer aviation environment, which ultimately benefits passengers and contributes positively to long-term improvements in the region’s travel infrastructure and economic health.
Leave a comment