Fiji Airports is facing considerable financial challenges as it seeks to enhance the infrastructure of its government-owned airports. Currently, the only profitable facility under its management is Nadi International Airport, which complicates funding for improvements at the other 14 airports, including the much-delayed Labasa Airport.

Mesake Nawari, the CEO of Fiji Airports, emphasized that there are no “free capital” resources available to support an extensive 25-year infrastructure development program designed to modernize these facilities. This statement comes in light of rising inquiries regarding the hurdles encountered in developing Labasa Airport.

In a positive development, Labasa Airport recently opened a temporary terminal a week ahead of schedule, made possible through extended working hours during its construction. This interim facility will serve as part of an $8 million project aimed at upgrading the airport. Designed to accommodate 70 passengers, the temporary terminal addresses the needs of the airport that sees an average of 200 travelers daily. To further mitigate congestion from limited seating, additional temporary structures have been erected to manage overflow.

Looking ahead, plans are set for a permanent terminal that will increase the seating capacity to 138 and include a separate arrivals hall. Construction for this new facility is expected to begin soon and take approximately 18 months to complete.

The upgrade of Labasa Airport has been overdue for decades, hampered by funding constraints and delays linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, these recent advancements signal a commitment to modernizing Fiji’s airport infrastructure. Improved facilities hold the potential to significantly enhance the travel experience for both locals and tourists, fostering tourism—a vital component for economic growth in the region.

Overall, while Fiji Airports continues to navigate its financial limitations, the ongoing developments at Labasa Airport reflect a positive trajectory for the future of aviation in Fiji, promoting optimism for an improved and more resilient economic landscape.