Vunilagi has emerged as a potential site for a new airport in Vanua Levu, according to sources in the aviation sector. Following the offer of land by the paramount chief of Cakaudrove and Parliament Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, many business leaders are optimistic about the project’s realization.
Savusavu Chamber of Commerce president Avikash Pillay is among those supporting the initiative. He noted that Vunilagi is located approximately 30 minutes from Savusavu Town and features extensive flat land suitable for development. Pillay pointed out the limitations of the existing Savusavu Airport, where the small runway restricts larger aircraft, thus posing challenges for the tourism industry.
As the top tourist destination in the Northern Division, a larger airport could significantly boost tourist arrivals. Pillay mentioned that government ministers are also exploring the possibility of developing an airport at Vunilagi.
In a related note, Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka previously cited Nasarawaqa in Bua as an alternative location for an international airport. He indicated that the World Bank had identified additional potential sites following the launch of the NaVualiku tourism development project. Gavoka affirmed the government’s awareness of the community’s demand for an international airport and promised that an announcement regarding the project would be made by the end of the year.