Fiji Airports’ $3 billion investment for the upgrade and expansion of Nadi International Airport.

by charles chambers

An aerial view of the Nadi International Airport.

Fiji Airports’ $3 billion investment for the upgrade and expansion of Nadi International Airport, which is part of the Master Planning, will see a significant transformation at Fiji’s gateway to the world.

Fiji Airports Acting Chief Executive Officer Faiz Khan has revealed the major changes will change the look of the airport and modernise its operations.

“The delivery of Nadi Airport Master Planning is going to be more challenging than the many projects we have delivered thus far.

“Any Master Planning builds capacity for the long term future.

“The future will be challenging due to the various complicated stages of works that have to be carried out in limited spaces and the financial commitments required,” Mr Khan said.

The major upgrades include a new runway, parallel to the current cross-runway and running alongside where the current private airlines bases area.

Expansion plans

Mr Khan said this would see the relocation of Fiji Airports current head office.

This new runway will extend into the sea.

Mr Khan said the extension into the sea would be costly but was part of the plans.

The other major part of the Master Planning would be the extension and increase of the international terminal.

This means that the front of the terminal facing the main runway or the sea would be extended by 100 metres with more of a wedge look.

For those who are familiar with Nadi Airport, this would mean that the grass area between the terminal and the main runway would be new bigger apron space for the aircraft while parking.

“This would mean an increase in the international terminal footprint to more than twice its current size.”

“The plan also includes the increase in the airport’s international and domestic gates by more than 100 per cent and the same per cent for the spaces.”

Mr Khan highlighted other projects in the Master Planning which includes:

ν A new general and aviation cargo area

ν Multiple new taxiways

ν New walkways connecting the terminal to the aerobridges

ν Extended arrivals baggage hall

ν Smarter technologies for efficient processing

ν More retail spaces and also space for amenities

ν New administration building

ν New fire station

ν New Control Tower

Fiji Airports has already been recognised by Skytrax which awarded the facility the Sixth Most Improved Airport terminal in the World.

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj