The runway pavement upgrade at Rotuma Airport has been completed well ahead of schedule. Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari praised the contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd, for their excellent work on the runway, which now includes crucial safety features.
Nawari noted that the Fiji Airports projects team recently visited the island to observe the completion and official handover of the upgrade from the contractors. He emphasized the importance of the runway maintenance for operations and expressed gratitude for the timely completion of the project. He also thanked customers and stakeholders for their support during the two-week maintenance period, during which bi-weekly flight operations were unaffected.
The upgrade included landslip remediation, runway shoulder resealing, and fence improvements. Nawari explained that the project timeline was developed in consultation with stakeholders prior to starting the work.
Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment aimed at runway maintenance projects at five of its 14 outer island stations, which include Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni). This initiative is part of ongoing maintenance for all outer island airports, demonstrating the company’s commitment to upholding the standards of government-owned airports.
Fiji Airports intends to continue discussions with the government for additional funding to further improve facilities at outer island airports and Nausori. The maintenance work at the five airports is fully funded by Fiji Airports.
Rotuma Island Council Chairman Gagaj Manav expressed appreciation to Fiji Airports and the contractors for their efforts on the runway. He and the council members, consisting of seven district chiefs, were given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway, along with an introduction to the airport’s operations and business processes.