Fiji Airports Limited (FAL) is embarking on a substantial project to upgrade the Labasa Airport terminal as part of a comprehensive effort to enhance infrastructure and services in the region. The Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, recently visited the construction site to meet with the renovation contractor, Pacific Building Solutions (PBS), and review the progress of the project.
During his visit, PBS detailed plans to move the terminal three meters inward, close to the old terminal site. This relocation aims to reduce the risk of airplane obstruction and improve passenger safety at the airport. The modernized terminal is expected to be ready for use in June 2025, with the $6 million project being funded by the World Bank under the Na Vualiku Tourism Development initiative, which is designed to promote tourism in Fiji’s Northern Division.
Minister Ditoka expressed his optimism about the project’s economic implications, noting that the upgraded terminal is likely to boost tourist numbers and enhance local economic activity in Labasa. He commended the ongoing efforts of the PBS team and FAL staff, despite the project’s oversight being outside his ministry’s direct purview.
Mesake Nawari, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports, stated that the enhancements would significantly benefit the local community in the North. He highlighted the pivotal role that improved airport infrastructure plays in driving sustainable economic growth and tourism, portraying airports as crucial catalysts for regional development.
The existing temporary terminal continues to efficiently serve passengers during the upgrade work, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining service standards throughout the construction period.
These developments at Labasa Airport foster a sense of hope for a brighter future, emphasizing improved travel experiences and the potential for economic uplift through increased visitor arrivals. The renovations represent a significant advancement in modernizing the region’s aviation infrastructure, contributing to the resilience and prosperity of local economies.
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