1. Fiji Airports plays a role that extends well beyond operating airports. How would you describe its contribution to Fiji’s economy and national development?
Fiji Airports is far more than an airport operator. We are an important part of Fiji’s national infrastructure and a key enabler of tourism, trade, investment and economic development.
We operate and manage 15 public airports across Fiji, including Nadi International Airport, our principal international gateway, Nausori International Airport and 13 outer-island airports. We also provide air traffic management services across approximately six million square kilometres of South Pacific airspace.
Every aircraft that arrives in Fiji brings opportunities. It brings visitors, business activity, trade, investment, education opportunities and family connections.
In 2025, our airport network handled more than 4.05 million passenger movements and 104,093 aircraft movements. This demonstrates the scale of aviation’s contribution to Fiji and the importance of continuing to invest in safe, reliable and modern airport infrastructure.
Ultimately, when Fiji Airports succeeds, Fiji succeeds.
2. What are the main areas of investment as Fiji Airports modernises its infrastructure and prepares for future demand?
We are undertaking a major programme of airport modernisation to ensure Fiji’s aviation infrastructure can support future demand.
Our investment priorities include runways, taxiways, aprons, terminal facilities, baggage systems, airport emergency services, air traffic control, fire and rescue capability and digital technology.
In 2025, work progressed on aerobridge replacement, airport facility upgrades, runway and pavement improvements and projects supporting connectivity to our outer islands.
Safety remains the foundation of everything we do. During 2025, Fiji Airports maintained certification across all 15 airports and key aviation service areas. We continue to invest in training, technology, systems and operational processes to maintain high international standards.
For passengers, modernisation means a smoother, safer and more convenient journey. For Fiji, it means stronger infrastructure that can support tourism and economic growth for many years.
Our masterplan identifies more than $1 billion in planned investment through 2034, covering airport capacity, terminals, runways, taxiways, aprons, emergency services and digital systems.
3. Fiji has ambitions to strengthen its position as the aviation hub of the Blue Pacific. What makes the country well positioned to achieve this?
Fiji occupies a unique geographic position in the heart of the South Pacific, making it a natural aviation hub for the region.
Nadi International Airport is Fiji’s principal gateway to the world. It connects Fiji and the wider Pacific with Australia, New Zealand, North America and Asia.
Our role also extends well beyond Fiji’s borders. We manage air traffic services within the Nadi Flight Information Region, covering approximately six million square kilometres and supporting the safe movement of aircraft across a large area of international airspace.
Our vision is to become the world-class aviation hub for the Blue Pacific.
Achieving that vision requires modern infrastructure, strong airline partnerships, safe and efficient operations and a consistently high-quality passenger experience.
Better regional connectivity benefits Fiji and our Pacific neighbours by supporting tourism, trade, education, healthcare, business and regional cooperation.
4. How important is the United States market, particularly California and the wider U.S. West Coast, to Fiji’s tourism and aviation sectors?
The United States is one of Fiji’s most important visitor markets, and California and the wider U.S. West Coast are particularly important to our tourism and aviation sectors.
According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Fiji welcomed 118,148 visitors from the United States in 2025. That represented 12 percent of Fiji’s 986,367 total visitor arrivals, making the United States Fiji’s third-largest visitor source market after Australia and New Zealand.
Visitor arrivals from the United States also increased from 107,821 in 2024 to 118,148 in 2025, growth of approximately 9.6 percent. This demonstrates the strength of the market and the potential for further growth.
Air connectivity between Fiji and the United States helps bring our countries closer together. It makes Fiji more accessible for American visitors while creating opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural exchange.
For Fiji Airports, our responsibility is to ensure our infrastructure and services can support growth from this market. American travellers expect safe operations, convenient processing, reliable services and a high-quality airport experience.
At the same time, visitors are looking for something genuine and memorable. From the moment they arrive, we want them to experience the warmth of Fiji through what we call “Your Bula Experience.”
Our goal is to make every journey to Fiji safe, seamless and welcoming, while working with airlines, government and tourism partners to strengthen connectivity with the United States.
5. Tourism is a major driver of Fiji’s economy. How is Fiji Airports preparing to accommodate growing visitor numbers while maintaining the quality of the passenger experience?
Tourism is a major contributor to Fiji’s economy, and our airport infrastructure must grow alongside passenger demand.
In 2025, Fiji Airports handled 2.97 million international passenger movements, an increase of 2.7 percent over the previous year. Domestic passenger movements increased by 3.5 percent to 1.08 million.
We are responding by investing in airport capacity, terminal facilities, passenger-processing technology and operational systems that improve passenger flow and reduce congestion.
However, growth must not come at the expense of service quality. For most international visitors, the airport is their first and last impression of Fiji.
Our aim is to combine safe and efficient airport operations with genuine Fijian hospitality. Technology should make the journey easier, while the Bula welcome makes it memorable.
Our challenge is not simply to handle more passengers. It is to welcome more passengers without losing the warmth and personal connection that make Fiji special.
6. Sustainability is increasingly important for airports around the world. What steps is Fiji Airports taking to reduce its environmental footprint?
Sustainability is an important part of how Fiji Airports operates and plans for the future.
As a Pacific island nation, Fiji understands the effects of climate change. We therefore have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact while improving the resilience and efficiency of our operations.
Nadi International Airport has achieved Level 4 “Transformation” under the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme. This is an important international recognition of our progress in carbon management and environmental stewardship.
We are also investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles, EV charging stations, energy-efficient infrastructure, digital systems and environmental conservation programmes.
A major example is the new 3.25-megawatt solar farm at Nadi International Airport. The airport currently consumes approximately 2.5 megawatts, so the system is expected to meet current airport demand while providing about 25 percent additional capacity during peak generation.
The project can also be expanded to between eight and 10 megawatts to support future airport growth and landside development. Major construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
7. Given Fiji’s exposure to climate change and natural disasters, how are you ensuring that the country’s airports remain resilient and future-proof?
As a Pacific island nation, resilience must be built into the way we plan, design and operate our airports.
Our aviation infrastructure must be able to respond to extreme weather, natural disasters and the long-term effects of climate change. Airports also play an essential role during emergencies by supporting the movement of people, relief supplies and essential services.
We are investing in resilient engineering, stronger infrastructure, renewable energy, modern safety systems, business-continuity planning and emergency preparedness.
We must also prepare for increasing passenger demand and changing technology. That is why our long-term masterplan focuses on airport capacity, digital systems, safety, sustainability and operational efficiency.
We are not only building for today’s passengers. We are building an aviation network that can serve Fiji and the Pacific for future generations.
8. Beyond passenger numbers and aircraft movements, how does Fiji Airports contribute to employment, investment, trade and communities across the country?
The economic contribution of Fiji Airports extends well beyond aircraft and passenger movements.
In 2025, Fiji Airports directly employed 601 people. We continued to invest in technical skills, leadership development, employee wellbeing and the capability needed to support the future of aviation.
Our activities also support wider employment and business opportunities across tourism, hospitality, retail, logistics, construction and professional services.
When we invest in airport infrastructure, we create demand for local contractors, suppliers, technical experts and service providers. Better connectivity also helps businesses reach customers, supports trade and encourages investment.
Our outer-island airports have an important social and economic role. They provide communities with access to healthcare, education, employment, trade and government services.
We measure our success not only through revenue or passenger numbers, but through the opportunities aviation creates for Fiji’s people and communities.
9. Looking ahead, what are Fiji Airports’ strategic priorities and what will define the next phase of development for Fiji’s aviation sector?
Our long-term vision is to establish Fiji as the world-class aviation hub for the Blue Pacific.
Our priorities are safety, operational excellence, infrastructure development, customer experience, sustainability, digital transformation and the development of our people.
Our masterplan identifies more than $1 billion in planned investment through 2034. This includes airport capacity, runways, taxiways, aprons, terminal facilities, digital systems, emergency services and supporting infrastructure.
We are also progressing renewable-energy projects, including the 3.25-megawatt solar farm at Nadi International Airport, while continuing to improve resilience and energy security.
We will work closely with government, airlines, tourism organisations, investors, landowners, communities and international aviation partners.
The future of aviation in Fiji will be built through innovation, partnership and sustainable growth. Our goal is to create airports that are safe, efficient, welcoming and ready to serve future generations.
10. Finally, what would you like Los Angeles Times readers, particularly those in California and across the United States, to know about Fiji and its aviation gateway?
Fiji has always been known for its natural beauty, culture and the warmth of its people. Today, we are also strengthening our position as one of the Pacific’s leading aviation gateways.
For travellers from California and across the United States, Fiji offers an experience that combines adventure, relaxation, culture and genuine hospitality.
From the moment you arrive, our commitment is to provide a journey that is safe, seamless and memorable and to welcome you with the true spirit of Bula.
Aviation has the power to connect cultures, strengthen economies and bring people together. At Fiji Airports, we are proud to connect the world with Fiji, and Fiji with the world.
We look forward to welcoming Los Angeles Times readers to our islands.
.png)
