Labasa Airport upgrade set to finish by end-2026 after design changes to include baggage carousel and air-conditioning
The Labasa Airport upgrade, now valued at 8.57 million dollars for the terminal, is expected to wrap up at the end of 2026, six months later than originally planned. The delay comes after business leaders pressed for design changes to add a baggage carousel and air-conditioning, expanding the terminal and prompting a revised timetable.
Funding and approach
The upgrade is being delivered in two phases to keep airport operations running. It is funded by Fiji Airports and supported by the World Bank’s Na Vualiku Project. A temporary terminal was constructed and completed ahead of schedule in January 2025, with demolition of the old terminal beginning early in 2025. Construction of the new terminal is currently underway and was originally set for completion in June 2026; the timeline shift to end-2026 reflects the added features and expanded capacity.
Terminal upgrades and sustainability
The larger terminal adds about 2.8 million dollars to costs. The new solar-powered building will feature dedicated arrival and departure halls, enhanced passenger amenities, and more space to meet future demand, improving comfort for travelers in Labasa’s climate.
Aviation and wider project scope
Beyond the terminal, the Na Vualiku Project’s aviation component totals about 32.4 million dollars and covers runway pavement upgrades, new car parking, fencing, access roads, stormwater systems, a new fire station, creek embankment protection, and the procurement of a Remote Tower Aerodrome Flight Information System (AFIS). Runway upgrades are being planned to ensure Labasa is compliant with ATR72 aircraft under a 10-year plan, with backup arrangements in place should the full runway need to be opened.
Implications for the region
Officials say similar enhancements are being explored for Savusavu to accommodate bigger aircraft, helping ensure that Labasa and nearby areas remain connected as demand grows. The expansion aligns with the government’s commitment to unlocking the North’s economic potential by strengthening regional connectivity, tourism, and economic activity through modernized aviation infrastructure and sustainable energy initiatives.
Context from broader updates
Earlier reporting highlighted a broader investment narrative around Labasa and nearby airports, with figures cited in some briefings as around 18.6 million dollars for related upgrades and improvements aimed at supporting larger ATR aircraft, better passenger comfort, and expanded services. Taken together, these efforts reflect a sustained national push to modernize Fiji’s regional aviation network and bolster local economies.
Outlook
With the two-phase approach, ongoing construction, and complementary upgrades across the aviation component, Labasa is positioned to offer improved travel experiences, greater resilience, and stronger tourism-led growth for Fiji’s Northern Division.
Fijian language summary
Vosa Vakaviti: Na gauna oqo na Labasa Airport ena vakavinakataki kina me oti ena ka e lailai na 2026. Na i tuvatuva ni terimata e bau 8.57 na milioni dolara, ka tauritaki kina na Na Vualiku Project kei na World Bank. Na terimata vou ena curu taucoko me vakarautaki kina na vuli ni curu kei na lako mai, vei ira na tamata tiko mai Labasa. E vakarautaki talega na runway, karparking, veidigidigi, kei na AFIS me rawati kina nodra itukutuku na waqawaqa. Na ikuri ni cakacaka ena dua na paravalu vei ira na veiwekani ni vanua kei na vakavinakataki ni vanua me rawa ni mai curu mai na itukutuku. E dua na vakatulewa levu oqo me vakavinakataki kina na vanua kei na saraga ni turism, ka vakarautaki kina na nuitaki ni veika bula era matata cake.
Additional notes
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