Labasa runway works to proceed as planned

Fiji Airports has clarified that runway strengthening works and the construction of a new terminal at Labasa Airport are proceeding as planned and have not been placed on hold, contrary to media reports.

Labasa Airport will be temporarily closed from February 16 to March 27, 2026, to allow for critical runway pavement strengthening works. Fiji Airports said it has worked closely with airline operators Fiji Airways (Fiji Link) and Northern Air to ensure continued air connectivity during the closure.

Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the temporary closure was necessary to facilitate essential upgrades to the runway.

“These runway upgrades are critical to addressing existing structural issues and ensuring ongoing compliance with international aviation safety standards,” he said.

To minimise disruption to travellers, businesses and the wider Northern Division, Fiji Airways (Fiji Link) will operate 44 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport, while Northern Air will operate two daily flights on the Savusavu route throughout the closure period.

Normal bus services will continue to operate, and passengers with direct hotel bookings in the Northern Division will be provided with minibus pick-up schedules. Fiji Airports said timetables and route information will be shared through its official channels and social media platforms.

Mr Nawari said the decision to temporarily close Labasa Airport was not taken lightly.

“We remain committed to maintaining air connectivity for Vanua Levu during this period and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these essential works,” he said.

The runway strengthening project is funded under the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, also known as the Na Vualiku Project, with support from the World Bank.

Fiji Airports said the upgrades also form part of its long-term infrastructure improvement programme and align with its broader vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub in the Blue Pacific.

“This is an investment in the future of the Northern Division,” Mr Nawari said.

“Carrying out these works now will help mitigate unplanned disruptions in the future.”

Mr Nawari also clarified that three major projects are currently under way at Labasa Airport: the construction of a new terminal building, runway strengthening works commencing on February 16, and broader feasibility studies and master planning under the Na Vualiku Project to assess long-term development options for Labasa Airport and the wider Vanua Levu region, including the possibility of a new airport.