The upcoming six-week closure of Labasa Airport has sparked discussions among local stakeholders following a single meeting held between Fiji Airports officials and community representatives. Labasa Town Council chair, Paul Jaduram, confirmed that a meeting took place at the Commissioner’s Office, which included the president of the Labasa Chambers of Commerce, Vinesh Dayal, but efforts to reach Mr. Dayal for comments were unsuccessful. Businesswoman Amelia Simmons, another participant, acknowledged the necessity of the closure, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for local business operations.
The closure, scheduled from February 16 to March 27, 2026, is part of an initiative funded by the World Bank under the Na Vualiku Project. Its main purpose is to carry out significant strengthening works on the airport’s runway, ensuring it can adequately support ATR 72 aircraft. Fiji Airports underscored that this upgrade is crucial for compliance with safety and operational standards. It will not only enhance the runway’s classification rating but also reduce pavement fatigue, extend its lifespan, and secure safer flight operations.
In a statement, Fiji Airports also noted they have engaged with various stakeholders, including the Commissioner Northern’s Office and the Savusavu Tourism Association, to inform them about the updates and to finalize transportation arrangements for passengers during the airport’s temporary suspension of operations.
While the closure may pose some challenges for the local economy and travel plans, it represents a critical investment in the infrastructure that will ultimately provide safer and more reliable air transport for the region, fostering future growth and stability.