Traditional culture blends effortlessly with a sleek contemporary feel as guests are wowed by the opening of the new jewel in Fiji’s crown, Nadi airport.
Esteemed dignitaries including Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, joined 500 guests at the event marking the official opening of the new Nadi airport.
Fiji’s Prime Minister sees the renovated gateway as a symbol of a nation on the move.
“We now have the airport terminal that Fiji needs and deserves to support the growth of tourism in Fiji to a $2.2 billion industry, which is our goal by 2021.”
Voreqe Bainimarama, Fiji Prime Minister
Nadi Airport
The upgraded facilities at Nadi airport include a new air conditioning system, an additional baggage carousel, expanded immigration area, brand new airline lounges, a Government Lounge and a children’s play area in the departure lounge.
Other features include a smoker’s lounge, an increase in ceiling height by 8m, a non-denominational prayer room, new car park facilities, free wi-fi, additional duty-free outlets, offices for tour operators and a covered walkway from the airport to the bus stop.
Inside the new Nadi Airport
Executive Chairman and CEO of Fiji Airports Faiz Khan acknowledged the hard work of his team and contractors during the challenging development, undertaken while the airport remained in full operation.
With no master plans available to them, the team were forced to fix problems as they appeared, including uneven floors and uncertainty surrounding the structural integrity of the building.
Nadi Airport
The work has also been globally recognised with Skytrax World Airport Awards listing Nadi International Airport as sixth in the World’s Most Improved Airport category. It is also the first airport in the Pacific to receive Airport Carbon Accreditation as a result of more efficient energy systems.
“It is another sign of Fiji’s commitment to reduce its carbon emission which, while we are only a tiny carbon emitter by global standards, reinforces the commitment we are making and that we are seeking from the rest of the world.”
Voreqe Bainimarama, Fiji Prime Minister
New business class lounge
Other projects include extending the runway at Nausori Airport, lengthening the runway on Rotuma, installation of night lights at Labasa Airport plus there are plans to construct a new terminal.
Nadi airport staff