The planned six-week closure of Labasa Airport is raising concerns among local business owners, who warn that it could lead to significant economic repercussions for the community. Satish Kumar, a businessman from Labasa, expressed his fears that the shutdown from February 16 to March 27 will hinder trade and travel, ultimately costing millions of dollars.
“This is the only airport serving Labasa. People will have to spend hundreds of extra dollars to fly from Savusavu,” Mr. Kumar highlighted, emphasizing the added financial burden on residents reliant on air travel. He elaborated that small businesses depend heavily on timely deliveries, and the airport closure will disrupt their operations, leading to potential major losses. Kumar underlined that both the tourism and transport sectors would also experience adverse effects due to this decision.
He criticized the lack of comprehensive consultations before the closure was announced, suggesting that more thorough discussions could have led to better planning and alternative solutions. “Without urgent measures, the economic impact could be devastating,” he warned, noting that the community faces challenges in terms of increased inconvenience and travel costs.
The closure was communicated to government officials, members of the Labasa Chambers of Commerce, and representatives from the Labasa Town Council during a meeting last year, where two officials from Fiji Airports were present. Mesake Nawari, the CEO of Fiji Airports, defended the decision, stating that the upgrade is a crucial investment in aviation safety and infrastructure for the Northern Division. While acknowledging the short-term inconveniences, he stressed the importance of ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and sustainability of aircraft operations at the airport.
Nawari clarified that the project does not involve runway extension but is essential for major excavation, stabilization, and installation of drainage within the active runway area, making concurrent aircraft operations unfeasible.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between infrastructure improvements and the economic vitality of local communities. As the airport undergoes necessary upgrades, it is hoped that stakeholders will work collaboratively to mitigate the impact on businesses and the overall community.