The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has provided an update on the Skyward Pinehills airstrip, located approximately 8.5 kilometers southeast of Nadi International Airport. This privately owned airstrip was constructed in 2019 to serve private recreational aviation but has not yet been registered and has never been used for any aircraft operations.
Officials stated that during the airstrip’s planning and development, the owners worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and Fiji Airports to meet key aviation safety standards. However, officials raised concerns regarding the airstrip’s proximity to Nadi International Airport, leading to a technical assessment that resulted in conditional approval in January 2020. This approval allowed for limited daytime operations, but it was contingent on the formal registration of the airstrip with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF).
Despite being granted conditional approval, the registration process remains incomplete. The situation has been further complicated by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the airstrip non-operational since its completion. The Ministry has made it clear that the site is currently closed to all aircraft operations until the necessary registration and approval from CAAF are secured.
The Ministry emphasized that there is no aviation safety risk associated with the airstrip’s current status, as it has not been operational and is under regulatory oversight. They reiterated the importance of adhering to civil aviation regulations, noting that any future use of the airstrip will require full compliance with national regulations and international aviation standards.
This situation highlights the vital need for adherence to regulatory guidelines within the aviation sector, especially in a climate where safety and compliance are of utmost importance. Looking ahead, there is optimism that the proper regulatory procedures will eventually allow for the safe operational use of the airstrip if the owners decide to complete the necessary steps for approval.