Fiji Airports will be carrying out safety-critical pavement maintenance on five outer island runways, four of which on Vanua Levu, in 2024.
These works will require the closure of these runways in Labasa, Savusavu, Matei on Taveuni, Lakeba and Rotuma, over a staggered time period to ensure minimal impact on domestic flights. Mercy flights to any of these airports will be available during the period but it will require 2-hour prior notice.
Labasa airport will be partially closed from 10am to 3pm for six weeks starting on May 6 and ending on June 16, 2024. The airport will be fully operational outside these times.
Savusavu Airport will be fully closed for three weeks, with work starting from June 24 to July 14, 2024.
Matei Airport (Taveuni) will be closed from August 5 to 11, 2024, and from August 12 to 17. It will be partially closed after 2 pm for the week.
Rotuma Airport maintenance work is scheduled for September 2024. The airport remains operational with no impact on scheduled flights every Wednesday and Friday. However, the airport will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Lakeba Airport is scheduled for maintenance work in October 2024, but scheduled flights on Thursdays will not be affected.
Those wishing to conduct Mercy flights to other airports shall need to consult FA Duty Engineers on 9330595/9993091 for a status update before deciding on any flights.
Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Nawari, says the scope of work was developed based on engineering pavement assessments.
“The maintenance work is critical to protect the runways and extend the life of the pavement,” Nawari said. “Therefore, prioritising these works ensures that the impacted airport runways will remain safe, in compliance with relevant regulations, and facilitating continued flight operations.
Like any other airport around the world, FA is committed to these maintenance works to ensure our runways can continue to support our domestic routes and customers.
We appreciate the understanding and acknowledge the support of our industry partners, stakeholders, and travelers during this time. We look forward to welcoming back commercial service when work is completed.”
Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Nawari says the scope of work was developed based on the engineering pavement assessments and FA is committed to ensure the runways can support aircraft movements for the domestic customers.
“The maintenance work is critical to protect the runways and extend the life of the pavement. Therefore, prioritising these works, ensures that the impacted airport runways will remain safe, in compliance with relevant regulations and facilitating continued flight operations.
“Like any other airport around the world, FA is committed to these maintenance works to ensure our runways can continue to support our domestic routes and customers.
“We appreciate the understanding and acknowledge our industry partners, stakeholders and travelers during this time and look forward to welcoming back commercial service when work is completed at the mentioned outer island airports,” Mr Nawari said.
