FBC News: Labasa Airport will be temporarily closed from February 16th to March 27th next year to allow critical runway pavement strengthening works to take place.

Fiji Airports says these works are essential to improving the safety, reliability, and long-term resilience of the airport.

It says funded by the World Bank under the Na Vualiku Project, this upgrade will strengthen key sections of the runway to improve its Pavement Classification Rating – a key measure of how much weight a runway can safely support.

Once completed, the upgraded runway will be able to safely accommodate ATR 72 aircraft operations, in line with an approved safety case!

Fiji Airports is also working closely with airline partners and transport stakeholders to finalise transport arrangements and ensure travel options for passengers are available during the temporary closure of Labasa Airport.

Source: FBC News

Labasa Airport to close for critical runway upgrade

Fiji Village: Labasa Airport will be closed from 16 February to 27 March 2026 to allow critical runway pavement strengthening works.

Fiji Airports says the upgrade is essential for improving the airport’s safety, reliability, and long-term resilience.

They say it will enhance key sections of the runway to improve its Pavement Classification Rating, which is a measure of how much weight a runway can safely support.

They add that once completed, the upgraded runway will accommodate ATR 72 aircraft operations, in line with an approved safety case.

The works are funded by the World Bank under the Na Vualiku Project.

Fiji Airports is also working with airline partners and transport stakeholders to ensure travel options are available for passengers during the temporary closure.

Source: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Labasa-Airport-to-close-temporarily-for-runway-upgrade-works-4r8xf5/

Tourism in Fiji is more than travel, it is a vital part of our economy and a powerful driver of community development.

🌴 Fiji is among the world’s top 20 most tourism-dependent countries.
📊 Tourism contributes nearly 40% of GDP, directly and indirectly.
👩🏽‍🍳 It supports one in three jobs across the country.

In Vanua Levu, tourism is one of the few sectors offering formal jobs and business opportunities, particularly for women and rural communities. This makes it a key pathway for inclusive and sustainable growth.

💡 A 2023 World Bank study found that even a 1% increase in tourism GDP is linked to a 0.68% reduction in poverty.

This is why the Na Vualiku Project is investing in better infrastructure, community tourism, and environmental protection ~ to help unlock tourism’s full potential for the people of Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Tourism that lifts everyone benefits everyone.

#NaVualikuProject #FijiTourism #InclusiveGrowth #TourismForDevelopment #CommunityLedTourism #SustainableFiji #EmpoweringWomen #WorldBankFiji

Image: Savusavu Tourism Association

In Nakawaga Village, visitors arriving on cruise ships often make their way to the local waterfall, a stunning natural attraction with tremendous potential. 🌊✨

We visited the community, as part of the Na Vualiku Project’s design, data gathering, and awareness-raising activities to understand how communities can strengthen tourism opportunities and benefit from sustainable local enterprise.

Tourism currently provides occasional income, but with the right support, communities like Nakawaga could develop stronger visitor experiences, improve facilities, and build enterprises that share benefits more widely.

The Na Vualiku Project will soon launch a Pilot Program for MSMEs, women-led enterprises, and community-based tourism organizations. The program is designed to unlock this potential by supporting community businesses, strengthening skills, and linking villages to wider tourism markets.

A beautiful waterfall is only the beginning. The real story is about communities turning opportunity into lasting prosperity.

🌱Stay tuned for details.

#NaVualikuProject #CommunityTourism #MSME #VanuaLevu #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableTourism

Fiji has been recognised by National Geographic as one of the 25 Best of the World Destinations for 2026, joining a global list that celebrates the planet’s most inspiring and meaningful travel experiences.

Selected by National Geographic’s international editorial teams, the list honours places that champion authentic connections with nature, culture, and community ~ values at the heart of the Na Vualiku Project!

The feature highlights Fiji’s breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and strong commitment to sustainable tourism, reaffirming its position as a world leader in responsible and inclusive travel.

For the Na Vualiku Project, this recognition underscores the importance of our collective efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni, where community-driven initiatives, resilient infrastructure, and environmental stewardship are creating opportunities for future generations.

📖 Read more on National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026” feature.

#NaVualikuProject #SustainableTourism #Fiji #VanuaLevu #BestOfTheWorld #InclusiveGrowth

As part of the 5^th World Bank Implementation Support Mission, the Na Vualiku Project and World Bank teams visited potential solar panel sites at the Savusavu Market, Bus Station and Council Office with the Town Council’s Chair and Acting CEO.

Why this matters for communities and tourism:
✅ Lower energy bills for councils and small businesses
✅ Safer, well-lit and more reliable public facilities could mean longer operating hours 
✅ Better experience for residents and visitors
✅ A tangible step toward Fiji’s renewable energy and climate goals

We’re now finalizing the contract for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study that will guide the installation of solar PV systems in Labasa and Savusavu, a move that will strengthen infrastructure, support tourism growth, and enhance community resilience. 

#SustainableTourism #RenewableEnergy #VanuaLevu #NaVualiku

✈️ The Na Vualiku Project and the World Bank team, as part of the 5th Implementation Support Mission, inspected Savusavu Airport.

Planned upgrades will improve safety and comfort and for tourism operators and communities in and around Savusavu.

#VanuaLevu #FijiTourism #SustainableGrowth 

🌱 Following the World Bank team’s 5th Implementation Support Mission, the Na Vualiku Project is finalising plans for a pilot program to support community-based sustainable tourism ventures, as well as tourism-related MSMEs and women’s cultural enterprises in Vanua Levu.

Launching later this year, the program will provide grants to finance small infrastructure that will enhance community-based tourism and connect MSMEs and women’s cultural enterprises with business development services to help support business growth.

#InclusiveTourism #FijiMSMEs #WomenInTourism

The Na Vualiku Project team and the World Bank, as part of the 5th Implementation Support Mission, met with the Savusavu Tourism Association to discuss project progress.

Updates focused on air transport and town upgrades, including beautification, traffic management, improving pedestrian safety, and protecting the region’s biodiversity — all key to shaping Savusavu’s future as a hub for sustainable tourism.