Fiji Airports has acknowledged shortcomings in its backup systems following a significant blackout of the runway lights at Nadi International Airport earlier this month. The outage, which occurred on January 10, disrupted operations as the runway lights remained non-functional from approximately 3 PM until 8:30 PM.
Chief Executive Officer Mesake Nawari noted that the incident highlighted the necessity to reassess and enhance the current backup systems. He reported that although the backup systems were engaged during the blackout, allowing other control and relay rooms to remain operational, improvements are essential to avert similar incidents in the future.
Nawari explained that checks on the runway lights typically take place before nightfall; however, the cause of the failure went unnoticed for several hours. To address this issue, Fiji Airports plans to implement more frequent inspections. Currently, checks occur twice daily, in the morning and evening, but additional inspections, particularly prior to nighttime operations during inclement weather, will now be scheduled.
Furthermore, intentional testing after major events will also be a new practice to give technical teams adequate time to resolve any issues before they impact operations. Regarding the financial implications of diversion flights, Nawari clarified that while Fiji Airports handles infrastructure, the responsibility for passenger travel disruptions falls on airlines. He emphasized that the January 10 incident was unforeseen and beyond the airport’s control.
The Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka responded strongly to the situation, warning Fiji Airports to take comprehensive measures to prevent future occurrences. Gavoka reiterated the significance of Nadi International Airport as Fiji’s primary international hub, emphasizing that operational reliability is crucial for its continued success.
This commitment to improvements at Nadi International Airport could signify a positive step towards ensuring safety and efficiency in air travel for both passengers and airlines in the region.
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