The runway pavement upgrade at Rotuma Airport has been completed ahead of schedule. Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari praised the efforts of the contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd, for their excellent execution of the upgrade, which incorporates essential safety features.
The Fiji Airports projects team recently visited the island to observe the project’s completion and the official handover from the contractors. Nawari emphasized the importance of the maintenance work for airport operations and expressed appreciation for the timely completion, thanking customers and stakeholders for their support during the two-week maintenance period, which did not disrupt bi-weekly flight operations.
Additionally, Nawari recognized the presence of the Rotuma Island Council, seven chiefs, and traditional owners who attended the completion ceremony of the significant upgrade.
The upgrade at Rotuma Airport included remedial works for landslips, resealing of the runway shoulders, and upgrades to the fencing. The project timeline was developed in consultation with stakeholders before it began. Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment for runway pavement maintenance projects at five outer island stations, including Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni).
Nawari highlighted that this maintenance effort represents the company’s commitment to maintaining government-owned outer island airports and indicated that Fiji Airports would continue to seek government funding to enhance facilities at these airports, including Nausori.
The completed maintenance work at the five airports is fully funded by Fiji Airports. Rotuma Airport is one of the 14 airports managed by Fiji Airports on behalf of the Fijian Government. Rotuma Island Council Chairman Gagaj Manav expressed gratitude towards Fiji Airports and the contractors for their work on the runway, acknowledging the significance of the upgrades for the island.
Following a brief overview of airport operations and business, the Rotuma Island Council (comprising the seven district chiefs) was given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway.