New technology to support safer, more reliable air services for Labasa passengers, businesses and visitors 

Labasa Airport is expected to become the first airport in the Pacific to host a remote tower Aerodrome Flight Information Service, known as AFIS, in a move aimed at strengthening air services for Vanua Levu. 

The planned system will use cameras and other equipment at Labasa Airport to transmit real-time flight information to the Nadi Operations Centre, supporting safer, more reliable and better-coordinated services for aircraft operating to and from Labasa. 

For passengers, residents and businesses, the investment means Labasa Airport is being equipped with modern technology to support the air services that connect Vanua Levu with the rest of Fiji. 

The initiative is being delivered through the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu, locally known as the Na Vualiku Project. The Program is a flagship Government of Fiji initiative financed by the World Bank and led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in collaboration with implementing partners, including Fiji Airports and the Fiji Roads Authority. 

Under a contract awarded by Fiji Airports, Adacel Technologies Limited will deploy its REVAL remote tower system for Labasa Airport. The system will include a Remote Tower Module at Labasa Airport and a Remote Tower Centre at the Nadi Operations Centre, strengthening how flight information is captured, monitored and shared. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening the foundations for sustainable tourism and regional development in Vanua Levu. 

“For residents and passengers, this means the airport is being equipped with modern technology to support safer, more reliable and better-coordinated aviation services for the North,” he said. 

“The planned remote tower AFIS system for Labasa Airport is part of a wider effort to modernise tourism-enabling infrastructure and essential services, while supporting communities, businesses and visitors who rely on safe and dependable transport links,” he added.  

“Aviation connectivity is critical for Vanua Levu’s future. Through the Na Vualiku Project, the Government is investing in practical, long-term improvements that strengthen access, safety, reliability and confidence in the North as a sustainable tourism destination,” Hon. Gavoka said. 

Labasa Airport is a key gateway for Vanua Levu, supporting residents, visitors, businesses, government services and essential service providers. The planned remote tower AFIS system is expected to improve aviation services and will support the tourism sector by helping strengthen regional connectivity and operational resilience. 

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Seavula Nawari, said the project is an important step forward in strengthening aviation services for Vanua Levu and supporting Fiji’s broader economic development. 

He said that the remote tower’s architecture will enable real-time operational visibility and monitoring from a centralized facility in Nadi, supporting safe and efficient remote service delivery in Labasa. 

“By modernising aerodrome service delivery at Labasa through advanced technology, we are enhancing regional connectivity, supporting tourism growth and helping ensure safe, reliable air transport for our communities and visitors,” he explained. 

The remote tower AFIS system is one of several aviation-related investments being supported under the Na Vualiku Project to strengthen connectivity and enable sustainable tourism development in Vanua Levu and Taveuni. 

The Na Vualiku Project supports coordinated investments in tourism-enabling infrastructure, essential public services, regional connectivity, enterprise development, climate resilience, environmental and social planning, and community-based tourism.  

-ENDS- 

Future Planning: New Airport Feasibility Study

An international aviation consultancy, AirBiz, specialising in airport planning and development, is currently undertaking a feasibility study to assess future aviation needs in Vanua Levu.

This includes a feasibility study for a potential new airport in Vanua Levu, an air connectivity study for Taveuni Island, and the development of master plans for Labasa and Matei airports.

Following its kickoff meeting in January 2026 and submission of the Draft Inception Report in February, the team is progressing technical work, including field visits to Matei and Labasa airports, as well as assessments of four potential sites for a possible new airport in Vanua Levu.

Engagement is ongoing with government agencies, local councils, landowning units of potential sites, and industry stakeholders across the Northern Division to ensure the study reflects operational requirements, growth projections, and local context.

In parallel, a separate team is consulting stakeholders in Suva and Nadi, along with Fiji Airports management and technical teams, to inform the analysis.

This work is part of a feasibility assessment only. Once completed, the report will be presented to Cabinet with options and recommendations.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has welcomed the completion of the runway strengthening works at Labasa Airport, describing the development as an important step in the Government of Fiji’s continued efforts to improve air transport connectivity and support economic development in Vanua Levu. 

The works, implemented by Fiji Airports, were undertaken with financing under the World Bank-financed Na Vualiku Project, for which the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation serves as the lead implementing agency through the Central Project Management Unit. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka, commended Fiji Airports for the successful and timely completion of the works. 

“I commend Fiji Airports for ensuring the timely completion of the runway strengthening works at Labasa Airport. This is an important achievement that will contribute to safer, more reliable and more efficient air services for the people and businesses of the Northern Division,” said Honourable Gavoka. 

He said the completion of the works also reflects the Government of Fiji’s broader commitment to the development of Vanua Levu and to strengthening the infrastructure needed to support connectivity, tourism, trade and essential services. 

“The Government of Fiji remains firmly committed to improving connectivity to Vanua Levu as part of our wider efforts to promote balanced national development and unlock greater economic opportunity in the North. Investments of this nature are critical to supporting communities, facilitating movement, and creating the conditions for sustainable growth,” Honourable Gavoka said. 

The Minister further noted that the runway improvement forms part of the wider Na Vualiku Project, through which the Government has worked with the World Bank to mobilise financing for strategic investments in infrastructure and services in Vanua Levu. 

“The Na Vualiku Project reflects the Coalition Government’s commitment to securing and advancing major development financing for Vanua Levu. Through this programme, we are pursuing practical investments that can strengthen infrastructure, improve access, and support long term tourism and economic development. The completion of the Labasa runway strengthening works is a tangible example of that commitment being translated into results,” he said. 

The Ministry also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Fiji Airports, project partners, contractors, landowners and local stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the works. 

As lead agency for the Na Vualiku Project, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation will continue to work closely with Fiji Airports and other implementing agencies to advance priority investments that support sustainable development in Vanua Levu. 

– ENDS – 

Photos:

An aerial view of the Labasa Airport runway following the completion of the strengthening
works this week.

This morning,Fiji Airports welcomed Northern Air’s first arriving passengers to Labasa Airport as Waiqele officially reopened after six weeks.

The Fiji Airways crew made it extra special by welcoming passengers with beautiful necklaces, refreshments, and warm island smiles.

✈️ Our Environment and Social Officers undertook an Environmental and Social (E&S) site inspection at #LabasaAirport to review ongoing resilience works and ensure compliance with project safeguard requirements.

As part of this engagement, the team also delivered training on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) prevention and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to staff from Flame Tree, BECA, and Fiji Airports.

These sessions reinforced clear reporting pathways, respectful workplace standards, and accountability across all contractors and partners operating on site.

Why this matters: strong safeguards and awareness on the ground help ensure infrastructure upgrades are delivered responsibly, with the safety, dignity, and rights of workers and communities protected throughout implementation.

#NaVualiku #LabasaAirport #Safeguards #SEAH #GRM #ResponsibleDevelopment

Limited air connectivity has long constrained tourism growth and economic opportunities across Fiji’s Northern Division.

The #NaVualikuProject is helping address this challenge through coordinated investments to strengthen aviation infrastructure and improve access to the North.

At Labasa Airport, critical runway strengthening works are underway from 16 February to 27 March 2026. The upgrade will improve safety and increase the runway’s load-bearing capacity, allowing it to accommodate ATR 72 aircraft once completed. Fiji Airports is working closely with airline partners and transport providers to ensure alternative travel options remain available during the temporary closure.

Further improvements are also being designed for Labasa and Savusavu airports, including a new terminal building for Savusavu Airport. In parallel, installation of a Remote Tower Aerodrome Flight Information System (AFIS) at Labasa Airport will begin early this year, enabling modern remote monitoring and management of air traffic to enhance aviation safety.

Assessments for a potential new domestic airport for Vanua Levu are also expected to begin soon.

Together, these investments are strengthening safety, expanding connectivity, and supporting the long-term growth of tourism and local economic opportunities in the Northern Division.

During their visit to Vanua Levu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Viliame Gavoka, together with Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, were updated by our implementing partner, Fiji Airports on progress toward these critical aviation investments.

NaVualiku #VanuaLevu #Aviation #TourismDevelopment

Works have commenced on runway pavement strengthening at Labasa Airport, with a temporary closure in effect from today until 27 March 2026. 🚧✈️

✅ Why this matters:
These works are essential safety upgrades designed to strengthen the runway structure, support long-term operational performance, and ensure continued compliance with international aviation safety standards. This investment helps protect reliable air connectivity for the Northern Division well into the future.

🌴 Keeping Vanua Levu connected:
To minimise disruption during the closure period, more than 40 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport have been arranged in close collaboration with airline partners and key stakeholders.

🗣️ Have feedback or concerns?
We are committed to transparency and accountability. Any grievances, questions, or feedback related to the works can be formally submitted through the official Grievance Redress and Feedback Portal:
🔗 https://navualiku.com/grievance-redress-feedback-portal/

Thank you for your patience as these important works are delivered to improve safety, reliability, and resilience for our communities.

Last week, our Na Vualiku team completed outreach support visits in Taveuni, from Lavena Village to Navakawau Village, creating awareness on the Na Vualiku Project and helping MSMEs and CBT operators with the MSME & CBT Capacity Building and Grant Program applications.

Our team met with MSMEs and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) operators to explain eligibility, required documents, and how to complete the application correctly, and we supported applicants to move their submissions forward with confidence, collecting filled applications on the road aswell.

You can still apply online or download forms (English, Hindi, iTaukei):

navualiku.com/msme-cbt-program/

Closes 13 February 2026

This week we will be in Savusavu, Bua, and Labasa. Please keep watching our Facebook page for updates.

#NaVualiku#Taveuni#MSME#CBT

Labasa Airport will be temporarily closed from February 16 to March 27, 2026, to allow for critical runway strengthening works, Fiji Airports has confirmed.

Fiji Airports said the closure was necessary to ensure long-term safety, structural integrity and continued compliance with international aviation standards.

To minimise disruption to travellers and businesses in the Northern Division, alternative travel arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Fiji Airways’ domestic arm, Fiji Link, will operate 44 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport during the closure period.

Northern Air will also operate two daily flights on the Savusavu route.

Fiji Airports said normal bus services would continue to operate, while passengers with direct hotel bookings in the Northern Division would be provided with minibus pick-up schedules.

Further details, including timetables and route information, will be shared through official channels and social media platforms.

Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the decision to temporarily close Labasa Airport was not taken lightly.

“These runway upgrades are vital to addressing structural issues and ensuring ongoing compliance with international aviation safety standards,” Mr Nawari said.

“We remain committed to maintaining air connectivity for Vanua Levu during this period and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these essential works.”

The upgrades are being funded through the Fiji Tourism Development Programme in Vanua Levu, also known as the Na Vualiku Project, with support from the World Bank.

Fiji Airports said the works formed part of its long-term infrastructure improvement programme and aligned with its vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub in the Blue Pacific.

“This is an investment in the future of the Northern Division,” Mr Nawari said.

“Carrying out these works will help mitigate unplanned disruptions in the future.”

Fiji Airports reiterated its commitment to the continued development and enhancement of the national airport network to support Fiji’s economic growth and regional connectivity.

News Source: https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/consult-gcc-on-referendums-says-advocacy-group

Labasa Airport will be temporarily closed from February 16 to March 27, 2026, to allow for critical runway strengthening works, Fiji Airports has confirmed.

Fiji Airports said the closure was necessary to ensure long-term safety, structural integrity and continued compliance with international aviation standards.

To minimise disruption to travellers and businesses in the Northern Division, alternative travel arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Fiji Airways’ domestic arm, Fiji Link, will operate 44 additional flights to and from Savusavu Airport during the closure period.

Northern Air will also operate two daily flights on the Savusavu route.

Fiji Airports said normal bus services would continue to operate, while passengers with direct hotel bookings in the Northern Division would be provided with minibus pick-up schedules.

Further details, including timetables and route information, will be shared through official channels and social media platforms.

Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the decision to temporarily close Labasa Airport was not taken lightly.

“These runway upgrades are vital to addressing structural issues and ensuring ongoing compliance with international aviation safety standards,” Mr Nawari said.

“We remain committed to maintaining air connectivity for Vanua Levu during this period and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these essential works.”

The upgrades are being funded through the Fiji Tourism Development Programme in Vanua Levu, also known as the Na Vualiku Project, with support from the World Bank.

Fiji Airports said the works formed part of its long-term infrastructure improvement programme and aligned with its vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub in the Blue Pacific.

“This is an investment in the future of the Northern Division,” Mr Nawari said.

“Carrying out these works will help mitigate unplanned disruptions in the future.”

Fiji Airports reiterated its commitment to the continued development and enhancement of the national airport network to support Fiji’s economic growth and regional connectivity.

News Source: https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/consult-gcc-on-referendums-says-advocacy-group