The runway upgrade at Rotuma Airport has been completed ahead of schedule. Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari praised the work done by Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd, noting the impressive execution of the project which included essential safety feature enhancements.
Nawari highlighted that the Fiji Airports team recently visited the island to oversee the project’s completion and the official handover from the contractors. He emphasized the importance of this runway maintenance for operations and appreciated the timely work by the contractors.
He also expressed gratitude to customers and stakeholders for their support during the two-week maintenance period, ensuring that bi-weekly flight operations continued without interruption. Additionally, he thanked the Rotuma Island Council, seven chiefs, and traditional landowners who attended the completion ceremony.
The scope of the Rotuma Airport works encompassed landslip remediation, resealing of the runway shoulders, and upgrading the airport’s fencing. Nawari mentioned that the project timeline was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders before the work began.
Earlier this year, Fiji Airports announced a $10 million investment to conduct runway maintenance projects across five of its 14 outer island stations, which include Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni). This initiative reflects Fiji Airports’ ongoing commitment to maintaining government-owned outer island airports.
Nawari indicated that discussions with the Government regarding funding for enhancing facilities at outer island airports, including Nausori, would continue. He reaffirmed that the ongoing maintenance work at the five airports is fully funded by Fiji Airports.
Rotuma Airport is one of 14 airports managed by Fiji Airports on behalf of the Fijian Government. Gagaj Manav, Chairman of the Rotuma Island Council, expressed appreciation for the work done at the airport. He acknowledged both Fiji Airports and the contractors, and welcomed the opportunity to meet the team involved in the runway project.
Following a brief introduction to airport operations and business, members of the Rotuma Island Council (comprised of the seven district chiefs) were given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway.