Airport Terminal Facelift to Boost North Trade

Fiji Airports Limited (FAL) is upgrading its Labasa Airport terminal to improve its service.

The Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, met the renovation contractor, Pacific Building Solutions (PBS) for an update of progress of works during his tour of the North on Friday.

PBS informed Mr Ditoka that the terminal would be relocated three metres inwards towards the old terminal site.

This is to avoid potential risk of airplane obstruction closer to the building and for the safety of passengers onboard and those waiting for their flights.

Mr Ditoka was informed that the scheduled opening would be next June.

The $6 million World Bank-funded Labasa Airport facelift upgrade builds a sense of optimism.

The development part of the World Bank funded Na Vualiku Tourism Development project for the Northern Division, is aimed to enhance visitor arrivals.

Mr Ditoka said the economic benefits of the new terminal would encourage more tourist arrivals and more activities to stimulate income for Labasa and North.

Despite the development not being under his ministry, he thanked the PBS team and FAL staff for a commendable effort so far.

The temporary airport terminal serves passengers with services as normal and Mr Ditoka had the chance to see first-hand how the project was progressing.

FAL chief executive officer Mesake Nawari, said the facelift would be great for the pe ople of the North.

Mr Nawari said the infrastructure growth will help improve tourism in the North.

"Airports can become a heart of economic growth and we expect this in Labasa as well," he said.

He said their mission was to assist airports become sustainable low carbon emission facility.

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