The upgrade of the runway pavement at Rotuma Airport has been successfully completed ahead of schedule. Mesake Nawari, the Chief Executive of Fiji Airports, commended the contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd, for their excellent work in enhancing the runway with crucial safety features.
Recently, the Fiji Airports projects team visited the island to oversee the project’s completion and the official handover from the contractors. Nawari emphasized the importance of this maintenance work for airport operations and expressed gratitude to the contractors for finishing the project ahead of the planned timeline. He also thanked customers and stakeholders for their support during the two-week maintenance period, noting that bi-weekly flights continued without disruption.
Nawari recognized the contributions of the Rotuma Island Council, including the seven chiefs and traditional owners who attended the airport to observe the completion of the significant upgrade.
The work conducted at Rotuma Airport included remediation of landslips, resealing of the runway shoulders, and upgrading of the fence. The project timeline was planned in consultation with stakeholders before starting.
Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment for runway pavement maintenance across five of its 14 outer island stations, including Rotuma, Labasa, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni). Nawari indicated that this effort is part of ongoing maintenance programs for all outer island airports, showcasing the company’s dedication to the upkeep of government-owned airports.
He added that Fiji Airports will continue discussions with the Government regarding funding to enhance facilities at outer island airports, including Nausori. The maintenance work at the five airports is fully financed by Fiji Airports.
Rotuma Airport is one of the 14 airports owned by the Fijian Government and managed by Fiji Airports. Gagaj Manav, Chairman of the Rotuma Island Council, expressed gratitude to Fiji Airports and the contractors for their work on the runway. The Council and chiefs were also given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway, following an introduction to airport operations and business.