The Nadi International Airport became fully operational yesterday at 6am which saw the resumption of international passenger flights. The Nausori International Airport had become fully operational at 10am on Sunday.

Airports Fiji Limited executive chairman, Faiz Khan, said Nadi Control Tower was operational throughout during the cyclone managing our Flight Information Region; also allowing medivac and emergency flights from Sunday.

“Our strategy was to keep Nadi control tower operational as far as possible,” he said.

“The Air Traffic Control team together with the support of team telecoms, ICT, electrical and building works braved the weather and did exceptionally well.

“AFL management team also exceptionally managed its emergency centre throughout the cyclone disseminating key information to all stakeholders during the cyclone.

“The team then worked tirelessly to clean up yesterday (Sunday) for resumption of normal operations at Nadi this morning (Monday).”

Mr Khan said Nadi was saved from the full brunt of the cyclone and was thankful to God almighty.

“Our thoughts go out to our friends and families in other parts of Fiji that were severely damaged by the cyclone,” he said.

“The Honourable Prime Minister has given us directives to try to return all key infrastructure back to operations as soon as possible in order to assist in trying to bring normalcy to the lives of all Fijians and our tourists.”

Other runways

As of now Labasa and Rotuma are also fully operational. Matei, Gau and Kadavu runways are cleared for landing whilst AFL is working on restoring other aerodrome facilities and terminal back up.

Savusavu is closed due to significant debris on the runway that should be cleared by this evening and its status revised.

The status of the following outer island airports are unknown: Bureta, Cicia, Koro, Lakeba, Moala, Ono-i-Lau and Vanuabalavu.

Mr Khan said they will provide an update once they make communication with these stations.

Edited by: RACHNA LAL

Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.