Work has begun to upgrade Nausori International Airport after a groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday, marking the start of what Fiji Airports and Government ministers described as a major push to modernise the key gateway serving Suva and eastern Viti Levu. Fiji Airports chief executive Mesake Nawari called the commencement of works “a significant milestone” that will transform Nausori into a more modern, efficient and resilient facility.
“It is about connecting our people, supporting local economies, improving everyday travel for Fijians and pushing the tourism dollar out to the rest of Fiji,” Nawari said at the ceremony, confirming the authority’s commitment to a long-term planning programme for Nausori over the next ten years, subject to development and funding. He said the project will deliver improved accessibility, new commercial opportunities, job creation and a more seamless passenger experience driven by modern technology.
Public Enterprises Minister Charan Jeath Singh said the upgrading builds on earlier strategic investments, including a $64 million runway extension that, he noted, laid the foundation for expanded capacity and enabled full-load Boeing 737 operations. Singh said the new terminal will be aligned with international standards and deliver expanded departure and arrival areas, modern check-in and security facilities, and improved baggage handling systems.
Passengers can also expect more comfortable, air-conditioned spaces and enhanced amenities, the minister said, including upgraded restrooms, better accessibility for persons living with disabilities and improved retail and food outlets. Singh added the design will prioritise operational efficiency by optimising passenger flow, strengthening airline and ground-handling operations and ensuring seamless integration between landside and airside areas, supported by modern technology systems for efficient operations and real-time communication.
Fiji Airports has emphasised that tangible benefits will extend beyond passenger comfort to local economic activity. Nawari said the project is intended to support local economies and tourism by improving everyday travel for Fijians and visitors, and by creating new commercial opportunities inside the terminal precinct. He acknowledged Government support and funding as instrumental to delivering those outcomes.
Yesterday’s ceremony included Fiji Airports staff and senior officials, with a photograph from the event showing Minister Singh alongside airport personnel. With construction now underway, the project moves from planning into delivery, but key elements such as detailed timelines, phased works and final funding arrangements remain contingent on development approvals and funding commitments as outlined by Nawari.
The Nausori upgrade is being positioned as a strategic investment in Fiji’s aviation infrastructure that could ease pressure on other terminals, enhance the capital region’s connectivity and support broader tourism and economic growth if funding and planning proceed as envisaged over the coming decade.