The upgrade work on the runway pavement at Rotuma Airport has been completed ahead of schedule. Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari praised the contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd, for their excellent work in enhancing the runway with vital safety features.
Nawari noted that the Fiji Airports projects team was recently on the island to oversee the completion and official handover of the project by the contractors. He emphasized the importance of the runway pavement maintenance for operational purposes and expressed appreciation for the contractors’ early completion of the maintenance.
He also thanked the customers and stakeholders for their ongoing support during the two-week maintenance period, which did not disrupt bi-weekly flight operations. Nawari recognized the presence of the Rotuma Island Council, seven chiefs, and traditional owners at the airport to witness the significant upgrade.
The upgrade work at Rotuma Airport encompassed landslip remediation, runway shoulder resealing, and fence improvements. Nawari mentioned that the project timeline was established in consultation with stakeholders before the work began.
Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment for runway pavement maintenance at five of its 14 outer island stations, which include Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni). This initiative reflects Fiji Airports’ commitment to maintaining government-owned outer island airports.
Nawari added that the organization will continue to engage with the Government for funding to enhance facilities at outer island airports and Nausori. He confirmed that the scheduled maintenance work at the five airports is fully funded by Fiji Airports.
Rotuma Airport is managed by Fiji Airports and is one of the 14 government-owned airports in Fiji. Rotuma Island Council Chairman Gagaj Manav expressed gratitude toward Fiji Airports and the contractors for their efforts on the island runway.
Manav stated that the Council appreciates the work done on the airport runway and valued the opportunity to meet the team responsible for the construction. The seven district chiefs from the Rotuma Island Council were also given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway, following a brief introduction to the airport’s operations and business.