Vunilagi has been recognized as a potential entry point in Vanua Levu, according to sources within the aviation sector. The paramount chief of Cakaudrove and the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has proposed land for the development of a new airport at Vunilagi, sparking optimism among business leaders about the realization of this project.
Avikash Pillay, president of the Savusavu Chamber of Commerce, is one of many who support the initiative. “Vunilagi is located about a 30-minute drive from Savusavu Town and features flat, spacious land,” Pillay noted. He emphasized that the existing Savusavu Airport runway is unsuitable for larger aircraft due to limited space, which poses a challenge for the tourism sector.
As the most prominent tourist destination in the Northern Division, a larger airport could significantly increase tourist arrivals. Pillay mentioned that government officials are also exploring the possibilities of building an airport at Vunilagi.
In an alternative consideration, last year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka highlighted Nasarawaqa in Bua as another potential site for an international airport. He also indicated that following the launch of the NaVualiku tourism development project, the World Bank has identified additional possible locations. “As a government, we understand the community’s desire for an international airport, and we are actively investigating it,” Gavoka stated. “An announcement will be made by the end of the year.”