Airports Fiji Limited is replacing leaking roofing at the Nadi International Airport main terminal.

This is expected to be completed in the next three months.

The Airports Fiji Limited executive chair, Faiz Khan, said they realised the need after there had been of leakages during the rain.

“With all of the roofing structure that we have, we did not have any plan to change all the roofing structure,” Mr Khan said.

This was because in 2011 and 2012 their consultants had advised them that most of the roof had another 10 or 15 years life, he added.

“However, we found out later that the roof needed upgrades so we are even now in the process of replacing the roof,” Mr Khan explained.

During a media tour showing progress in the terminal modernisation yesterday, Mr Khan said due to the travellers’ request, AFL built extra facilities.

These new facilities include: non denominational prayer room, a smokers’ room and Government VIP lounge.

The baggage area has also been extended.

At the same time, Fiji Airways is setting up its new Tabua lounge while Air New Zealand’s Koru Club has already been set up at the airport’s ground floor.

The arrival section of the airport is now properly staged with more counters for the Immigration Department and more space for arrivals and transits.

Mr Khan said it was also important to have serenaders to welcome the visitors.

He said the tradition of welcoming the visitors would always continue as this was one of the specialties at the airport which received a lot of praise.

“The main scope of work at the airport is expected to complete by the end of this month, however there are scopes that we have added.

“One scope in particular that we are looking at is in the arrival level one and arrival ground floor. We added that after Tropical Cyclone Winston.”

Mr Khan said the area in Arrival was exposing the weakness of the airport and it would be dealt with soon.

“We have got a lot of finishing in the arrival area, as you go down where the lift and steps are, you are going to see a lot changes.”

Mr Khan said the steps which used to take up space would now be aligned to the lift.

He said AFL was happy with the pace at which the modernisation took place.

Meanwhile, AFL has received an International Certification for Level One Accreditation for carbon emission.

Mr Khan, said the pursuit was to receive at least a level three or a level four accreditation.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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