Labasa Airport is set to close for six weeks in 2025, from February 16 to March 22, as part of necessary upgrade works. This announcement was made by Paul Jaduram, the chair of the Labasa Town Council, during a meeting attended by a limited number of local residents. Jaduram conveyed the concerns expressed by residents regarding the impact this closure could have on businesses, travel, and essential services.
The meeting also included representatives from the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Association, highlighting the collaborative effort to address the temporary closure’s implications. In response to these concerns, a team will arrive in Labasa next week to conduct a socioeconomic survey aimed at assessing the potential effects of the airport’s shutdown.
While acknowledging the short-term inconvenience, Jaduram emphasized that the upgrade works are vital for enhancing airport facilities and improving air services in the future. He reassured residents that these improvements would ultimately benefit the community.
This closure aligns with ongoing developments aimed at modernizing Labasa Airport, which has faced considerable challenges in recent years, including financial constraints and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous articles have highlighted the airport’s critical upgrades, including the opening of a temporary terminal designed to alleviate congestion as part of an $8 million initiative. The commitment to enhancing Labasa Airport’s infrastructure reflects a broader vision of modernization that fosters improved travel experiences and supports the local economy, particularly tourism.
As the community prepares for the airport’s closure, there is a hopeful anticipation that these necessary upgrades will pave the way for a more robust aviation sector, ultimately contributing to economic growth and a well-connected Fiji.
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