People of Ovalau set to regain weekly commercial flights

Commercial flights to Levuka could resume soon after Cabinet approved one scheduled flight a week to Bureta Airstrip, Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says.

Mr Turaga made the announcement during the Fijian Media Association town hall meeting after residents raised concerns that no commercial flights had operated to Bureta for about a decade despite earlier Government assurances.

Levuka resident Anthony Sahai said the last commercial flight landed at Bureta about 10 years ago and that the airstrip was now used only for medical evacuation and training flights.

"The second issue is the Bureta Airstrip.

"The last time we've seen a commercial flight arrive into Bureta was about approximately 10 years ago. It is only used now for medical evacuation flights and training flights."

Mr Sahai also referred to comments made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka in 2023.

"A FBC News article, October 23rd, 2023. I quote the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mr Viliame Gavoka. He had assured us, the people of Ovalau that he would look into the matter and ensure that it is operational again. It's 2026 now, we are still waiting."

Responding to the concerns, Mr Turaga said Cabinet had already approved the resumption of a weekly service.

"Cabinet has approved a one flight per week.

"That was probably approved last month I guess."

Opposition MP Premila Kumar said improving access to outer islands was important to growing Fiji's tourism industry.

"When we were reviewing tourism reports we saw that marketing was done mainly around Denarau area. So one of the recommendations that came out of the economic affairs committee is that you cannot neglect outer islands or least developed areas.

"We need to focus, we need to promote those areas and that can only be done through Ministry of Tourism."