Fiji Airports is advancing its long-term plan to upgrade Nadi International Airport and strengthen the wider national airport network, with a strategic focus on service improvement, climate resilience and stronger regional air connectivity. The plan, which runs through to 2034, forms a central part of Fiji’s broader economic development agenda and supports the role of tourism and aviation as key contributors to national income and employment.
Niranjwan Chettiar speaking at the 29AFBF on the Gold Coast in October. Photo: Dev Nadkarni
Speaking at the 29th Australia Fiji Business Forum, Fiji Airports Executive Niranjwan Chettiar said the company’s strategy is centred on creating an airport system that is “safe, reliable, commercially sustainable and genuinely passenger-oriented.” He noted that Nadi has a unique role as both a gateway and a connector in the Blue Pacific, and that strengthening operational performance is critical to maintaining Fiji’s competitiveness as airline networks evolve.
Chettiar highlighted ongoing work to improve customer experience, including upgrades to passenger processing, baggage handling and terminal flow. Plans scheduled across 2025 include expanded retail and commercial areas, increased parking capacity and improved ground transport access. These investments are expected to increase dwell-time revenue opportunities, supporting airlines, concessionaires and tourism businesses.
He also pointed to the importance of resilient and climate-ready infrastructure, noting that Fiji Airports manages not only major international gateways but also remote island runways that are essential for medical evacuation, disaster response and community access. Strengthening maintenance systems, building material supply chains and introducing more data-led asset management are priorities in this area.
Fiji Airports continues to engage with airline partners to expand mid-haul capacity linking Fiji more directly to North America, Australia, New Zealand and emerging Asian markets. Maintaining dependable short-haul links across the Pacific remains equally important for trade, labour mobility and social connection.
Chettiar acknowledged the challenges of delivering large-scale infrastructure in a small market, including contractor capacity and global supply chain delays, but said the long-term benefits justify sustained momentum. A modernised Nadi supported by a reliable national airport network would reinforce Fiji’s position as a trusted transit point and preferred travel destination in the region.
