The Savusavu airport will not see an expansion to accommodate larger aircraft due to a decision backed by the World Bank, which found its current capacity inadequate to meet the rising demand for regional air travel. Sara Bulutani, the NaVualiku Local Project Coordinator, has indicated that efforts are shifting towards identifying new sites for domestic airports as part of the NaVualiku Tourism Project.
The leading location identified is near Tacilevu on state land, while additional sites in the Vunilagi area, as well as two more options—one in Nasarawaqa on native land and another on private land at Kasavu Estate—are being considered. These potential new airport developments will require much larger land areas and runways capable of handling international traffic in the future.
Bulutani expressed optimism regarding the initiative, stating that expanded airport facilities are crucial for increasing visitor numbers. This aligns with previous sentiments from the local business community, including Avikash Pillay, president of the Savusavu Chamber of Commerce, who has previously championed the idea of a new airport in Vunilagi, emphasizing its advantageous location and the necessity of a larger infrastructure to support tourism growth.
The ultimate goal is to stimulate tourism and economic development in the Northern Division, with the construction and development of these airports being slated as part of a long-term plan, not expected to commence until 2031. The involvement of the World Bank in backing these developments underscores their potential as significant infrastructure projects in the Fijian tourism sector.
This initiative represents a hopeful turn towards enhancing regional connectivity and bolstering the local economy through increased tourism, showcasing a commitment to long-term planning in the face of current infrastructure challenges.
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