The upcoming six-week closure of Labasa Airport is sparking concerns among local business owners who fear significant economic consequences for the community. Scheduled from February 16 to March 27, this shutdown may severely impact trade and travel, potentially costing millions, according to businessmen like Satish Kumar.
Kumar pointed out that Labasa is dependent on this single airport, asserting that residents may face substantial extra expenses as they are forced to fly from Savusavu instead. He emphasized the reliance of small businesses on timely deliveries, which the airport closure will disrupt, leading to possible major losses. Additionally, both the tourism and transport sectors are expected to suffer from this decision.
Criticism was directed at the lack of comprehensive consultations prior to the closure announcement. Kumar suggested that better planning and discussions could have unveiled alternative solutions, warning that without immediate action, the economic fallout could be severe, especially with the added inconvenience and costs for residents.
The airport closure was communicated to government representatives, members of the Labasa Chambers of Commerce, and the Labasa Town Council during a meeting last year, attended by officials from Fiji Airports. Mesake Nawari, CEO of Fiji Airports, defended the necessary upgrades, calling them a crucial investment in aviation safety and infrastructure for the Northern Division. While acknowledging the temporary difficulties, he stressed the importance of ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and sustainability of operations at the airport.
Nawari clarified that the project focuses on essential excavation, stabilization, and drainage installation within the active runway area, making concurrent aircraft operations impractical. This situation underscores the challenging balance that exists between making critical infrastructure improvements and maintaining the economic health of local communities. As the airport undergoes these necessary upgrades, it is hoped that all stakeholders will collaborate to ease the impact on businesses and the community as a whole.