The upgrade of the runway pavement at Rotuma Airport has been successfully completed ahead of schedule. Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari praised the contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd, for their exceptional work and for incorporating essential safety features into the runway.
Nawari noted that the Fiji Airports projects team recently visited the island to observe the project’s completion and participated in the official handover from the contractors. He stressed the importance of the runway maintenance for operational efficiency and expressed gratitude to the contractors for finishing the work ahead of time.
He also thanked customers and stakeholders for their steadfast support during the two-week maintenance period, during which flight operations continued without interruption. Nawari extended his appreciation to the Rotuma Island Council, along with the seven chiefs and traditional owners who were present to witness the completion of the upgrade.
The improvements at Rotuma Airport included landslip remediation, runway shoulder resealing, and upgrades to the fencing. Nawari explained that the project’s timeline was developed with input from stakeholders before the work started. Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment to carry out runway maintenance at five outer island stations, including Rotuma, as part of their commitment to maintaining government-owned airports.
He mentioned ongoing discussions with the Government regarding funding to improve facilities at outer island airports and Nausori. The maintenance work at these five airports is entirely financed by Fiji Airports, which manages a total of 14 government-owned airports in Fiji.
Rotuma Island Council Chairman Gagaj Manav expressed appreciation for both the contractors and Fiji Airports for the renovation of the runway. He acknowledged the work done and welcomed the team involved in the project. Following a brief introduction to the airport operations and business, the Council and the chiefs were given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway.