Nausori upgrade advances while Northern international hub remains uncertain

Fiji's ambitious plan to ex­pand its aviation network is gaining momentum, with redevelopment works at Nausori Airport already underway.

Meanwhile, a proposed northern international airport, according to Fiji Airports board chairman Isei Tudreu, remains under analy­sis with no confirmed site, cost, or timeline.

Construction at Nausori began two years ago and is being carried out in stages to ensure the airport continues operating.

The upgrade aims to improve safety; efficiency; and connectivity; with officials highlighting its role in strengthening links within Fiji and across the region.

Recent runway improvements now allow larger aircraft, includ­ing fully loaded Boeing 737s, to land marking a major boost in capacity.

While authorities have not dis­closed the full cost of the Nausori project, they pointed to the scale of investment by referencing the redevelopment of Nadi Inter­national Airport, estimated at around $2 billion.

Both projects form part of a broader effort to modernise Fiji's aviation infrastructure and sup­port long-term economic growth.

At the same time, Government is exploring the possibility of a third international airport in the northern division, with locations such as Bua under consideration.

However, Mr Tudreu confirmed that the proposal is still in its early stages, with site selection dependent on ongoing technical, environmental, and economic as­sessments.

The vision would see Fiji oper­ating three international gate­ways across the west, central, and northern regions.

But with no clear timeline or confirmed plans for the northern project, ques­tions remain over feasibility and delivery as the country pushes ahead with one of its largest avia­tion expansions to date.