No "Free Capital"
Labasa Airport is a government-owned airport and managed by Fiji Airports like all the other 13 airports.
Monday 13 January 2025 | 12:02
Nadi International Airport is the only airport owned and managed by Fiji Airports and also the only profitable airport at this time. Photo: Leon Lord/ Inset: Fiji Airports chief executive officer, Mesake Nawari
Fiji's only profitable airport does not have "free capital" for Government-owned airports.
"Fiji Airports needs to finance its extensive updated infrastructure development programme planned for the next 25 years, which will not have free capital to be spending on all the Government owned airports, chief executive officer," Mesake Nawari said.
His comments followed queries over the delay in developing Labasa Airport, and the profitability of other 14 Government-owned airports.
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Nadi International Airport is the only airport owned and managed by Fiji Airports and also the only profitable airport at this time. Labasa Airport is a government-owned airport and managed by Fiji Airports like all the other 13 airports.
One Week Early
"Labasa Airport's temporary terminal was opened a week ahead of a three-month timeline," Mr Nawari said.
"The works was also carried out beyond normal working hours to ensure timely completion of the facility," Mr Nawari said.
"This is also with the consideration of the operation integration happening concurrently to ensure that further days are not taken post completion of the building facility.
"The initial work programme of the project was meant to be complete on January 17."
The temporary terminal opens today. Preliminary works on the $8million project - which culminate with a permanent terminal - begins this week, as major works commence next month.
Artist's impression of the Labasa Airport Terminal.
While there was no impact on flights, congestion at the new temporary terminal was expected, as the seating capacity was less, Mr Nawari said.
"We have put out temporary sheds outside to assist with any overflow of passengers.
"There is only 70 seating capacity for departing passengers." Labasa Airport handles a daily average of 200 passengers.
"The new terminal will allow for 138 seating capacity, and a separate arrivals hall," Mr Nawari said.
Construction of the new terminal will take another 18 months.
Upgrade of Labasa Airport has "taken decades" because of funding and delays cause by the coronavirus pandemic.
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