The renovation of the runway at Rotuma Airport has been successfully completed, significantly ahead of schedule. Mesake Nawari, the Chief Executive of Fiji Airports, praised the contractors from Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd for their exceptional work, which has enhanced the runway with essential safety features.
Nawari mentioned that the Fiji Airports projects team recently visited the island to oversee the project’s completion and the official handover from the contractors. He emphasized the importance of the runway maintenance for operational efficiency and expressed gratitude to the contractors for finishing the work ahead of time.
Furthermore, he thanked customers and stakeholders for their steadfast support throughout the two-week maintenance period, during which bi-weekly flight operations continued without disruption. Nawari also acknowledged the presence of the Rotuma Island Council, the seven chiefs, and traditional owners who came to witness the completion of the upgrades.
The renovation included not only runway maintenance but also landslip remediation, resealing of the runway shoulders, and enhancements to the airport fencing. Nawari noted that the project timeline was established in consultation with stakeholders prior to its initiation.
Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment aimed at runway maintenance projects across five of its 14 outer island stations, including Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni). This initiative is part of ongoing maintenance efforts for all outer island airports, demonstrating Fiji Airports’ commitment to managing government-owned facilities.
Nawari mentioned the company’s intention to continue negotiations with the Government for additional funding to improve facilities at outer island airports, including Nausori, stating that the maintenance work at the five airports is fully financed by Fiji Airports.
Rotuma Airport is one of 14 airports owned by the Fijian Government and managed by Fiji Airports. Gagaj Manav, Chairman of the Rotuma Island Council, expressed gratitude towards Fiji Airports and the contractors for their efforts in upgrading the island’s runway. He also mentioned the council’s appreciation for the opportunity to meet the team involved in the project and noted that the district chiefs were given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway following an introduction to airport operations and business.