None of the Airports in Fiji except Nadi Airport makes a profit, says Attorney-General and Minister responsible for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Speaking on the Airports Fiji Limited 2016 Annual report in Parliament yesterday, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said all of the airports outside Nadi made a loss.

In 2016, the amount of capital expenditure for the airstrips in the outer islands was $1.9 million and the Net operating loss was $2.5 million, in 2017 the capital expenditure was $8.5 million and net operating loss was $2.5 million and last year the capital expenditure was $12.9 million and the Net Operating loss was $6 million.

He said it was incorrect and absolutely false for Opposition members to say that there was no money put in the airports in the outer islands.

Responding to comments by Opposition member Ro Teimumu Kepa saying that: “Nadi was one of the dirtiest airports in the world particularly its washrooms,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said when Fiji Airport was given the award and the certification for being one of the top airports in the world, they looked at the entire operation and services in the airport including its washrooms.

Ro Teimumu also highlighted the high costs in the Airport vicinity including price of milkshake and fish and chips.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum responded saying on one hand they wanted a decrease in costs and at the same time they wanted 21st century facilities at the Airport and all parts of Fiji.

“Money does not grow on trees,” he said.

He added that opposition members needed to be aware of commercial realities.

“Your ability to adapt and adopt to the 21st century must be quick otherwise you get left behind.”

He said tourists coming to Fiji were not only about having nice clean beaches but it was also about the moment they land at the airport. It was about having the right infrastructure, efficiency and cleanliness, “all those do matter.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum added that tourists are not only coming to Fiji, every other country is also marketing.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj