✈️ 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.