Labasa Airport will reopen this Saturday (March 28) after six weeks of runway strengthening works that Fiji Airports says will restore the facility to required operational standards and improve aircraft movement across Vanua Levu. The upgrade, funded by the World Bank through the Na Vualiku Project, marks the latest infrastructure investment aimed at boosting safety, reliability and connectivity for the Northern Division.
Fiji Airports said contractors completed pavement upgrades to the runway during the six-week programme, which it described as necessary to meet aviation operational requirements and to better support passenger, airline and cargo services. While the runway is being declared open for flights again, full airport operations will continue from a temporary terminal as construction of a new terminal facility proceeds.
Chief executive Mesake Nawari said the completed works were an important step for aviation infrastructure in the north. “The completion of the runway strengthening works at Labasa Airport ensures safer and more reliable operations, while also supporting economic growth and connectivity for the Northern Division,” Nawari said, acknowledging the patience of stakeholders and the Labasa community throughout the project.
Fiji Airports thanked partners who supported the project, including the mataqali Nabukarabe of Nakama Village, Flame Tree Developments, the Labasa business community and stakeholders in Savusavu. The authority said it will continue to work with government to improve infrastructure and service delivery for people in Vanua Levu, signalling further planned investment in the region.
The reopening restores scheduled access to Labasa, the main aviation gateway for much of Vanua Levu, at a time when reliable domestic air links remain crucial for business, tourism and freight movement across the islands. Fiji Airports said the upgraded pavement will enable smoother aircraft operations, reduce risk of runway-related disruptions and help sustain regular services for airlines that serve the route.
Although runway works have concluded, passengers should expect operations to remain based out of the temporary terminal until the new terminal is completed. Fiji Airports has not provided a completion date for the new terminal; travellers and airline partners have been urged to monitor flight notices and advisories as the transition continues.
This marks the latest visible outcome of the World Bank-supported Na Vualiku Project in the region, demonstrating donor-backed investment in resilience and transport infrastructure. For Labasa residents and businesses, the immediate benefit will be the resumption of scheduled flights this weekend and improved reliability on one of Vanua Levu’s key transport links.
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