Suva’s long standing air-connectivity puzzle was back in the news recently when Nauru Airlines revived international jet flights. So why is long-haul from Nausori hard, and what does the revived Nauru link change?
Fiji Airways’ outgoing chief executive Andre Viljoen told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Social Affairs that regular international services from Nausori are not financially sustainable on current numbers. He said a weekly Suva to Auckland run could lose up to fifteen million Fiji dollars a year and adding Sydney might push losses to thirty seven million. The challenges include aircraft positioning, crew logistics and maintenance footprints that are optimised for the Nadi hub. “The current data suggests it may not be financially sustainable,” he said in evidence to MPs.
While long-haul looks challenging, Suva did gain a new regional option. Nauru Airlines relaunched direct Nauru to Suva services on 28 August, with flight ON019 landing at 11.47pm at Nausori with one hundred and eight passengers. The route complements the carrier’s Nadi operations and links Suva into the North Pacific network. This marks the return of the Republic of Nauru’s flag carrier since ceasing this route in the 1990s.
Calls for international routes at Nausori have a long history. The airport serves the capital and wider Central Division, yet scheduled overseas services have been sporadic. The runway upgrade completed in 2021 widened and lengthened the strip, with the stated aim of improving access for narrow-body jets. Despite the investment, weekly services to Auckland and Sydney that operated briefly ended in October 2022.
Airports Fiji and the Government have explored ways to improve the case for Nausori. A landside master plan is in train and the runway works were designed to improve payload for code C aircraft, which includes popular models such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 types of aircraft among others.
Travel agents say business travellers favour reliability and frequency ahead of proximity to downtown Suva. There is enduring demand from the Suva business community, diplomats and students for direct links. Options that could change the equation include minimum revenue guarantees, coordinated schedules with regional carriers, and targeted trade and route development funding.
For businesses and officials based in the capital, the revived Nauru connection shortens itineraries for regional meetings and time-sensitive cargo. Hotels and ground transport near Nausori gain predictable traffic on operating days. The strategic implication is that Suva can build an international role through targeted regional links while Nadi continues to anchor long-haul. Load factors through the fourth quarter will show whether frequency can rise from a weekly pattern.
