Nadi international airport earns global recognition

Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s flagship airport and the regional hub of the South Pacific, has been ranked as one of the World’s Most Improved Airports.

The accolade came during the prestigious Skytrax 2018 World Airport Awards, which was held in Stockholm, Sweden last week.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are the most prestigious accolades for the world’s airport industry. It represents the global benchmark of airport excellence.

Attorney-General and Minister for Public Enterprises Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum celebrated the award, saying that it was testament of the growing strength of Fiji’s aviation industry, tourism sector, and economy.

“When the Bainimarama Government put in place the Nadi Airport Development and Modernisation Act, many were quick to politicise and attack the reforms, and did not understand Government’s vision for bringing the aviation sector in Fiji into the 21st century. This award, and the state-of-the-art airport that earned it, should dispel any doubts–– it is proof that our vision bringing Fiji to new heights. We look forward to continuing to build upon this progress, and to sharing the benefits with all Fijians,” he said. 

“Nadi International Airport is more than just an airport—it is a gateway to Fiji, and to the entire Pacific region. It is where the first and last impressions of Fiji are made as tourists, world leaders, and businesspeople enter and leave our country,” continued Sayed-Khaiyum.

“In 2017, the record-breaking number of international visitors coming to Fiji nearly equalled the number of Fijians who live here, and the countries where they came from was more diverse than ever. This award proves that all of these visitors are now left with a better impression of Fiji than ever. It proves that the Nadi terminal upgrade project was an investment that will yield dividends for many years to come.”
In the rankings, Nadi International was one of just 10 airports in the world that earned the “Most Improved” distinction, placing 6th overall. Other award winners in this category included airports in world capitals and mega-metropolises like Rome, Perth, Athens, Montreal, Moscow, Manila, and Houston.

Fiji Airports Executive Chairman Faiz Khan said it is an amazing achievement to be ranked alongside the biggest and best airports in the world.

“We at Fiji Airports are proud to contribute to Government’s visionary leadership. Nadi International Airport not only appears on this list, it stands out in a big way: the nine other winners come from countries with huge economies and populations in the tens of millions. In fact, our country’s entire population is less than any of the cities where the other winning airports are based. This shows that, once again, Fiji is punching far and away above weight,” said Khan. “We in Fiji know that Nadi International Airport is world-class, as we have witnessed the immense improvements that have taken place firsthand. This award proves that the rest of the world is taking notice of that progress, too. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Government to further this unprecedented success for the aviation sector in Fiji.”

The $129 million (US$63.3 million) Nadi Airport terminal upgrade project was completed in April of 2017. The airport now features a two-lane departures drop-off area, a bigger, high-ceilinged departures terminal, self-check-in kiosks, an expanded departures immigration area with additional counters, a brand-new departures lounge with world-class duty-free shopping, a kids’ play area, a prayer room, a smoking lounge, brand new airline lounges, an expanded arrivals landing area with additional immigration counters, additional carousel, and more. Fiji Airways also unveiled its new, state-of-the-art business class lounge at the airport in December.

SOURCE: DEPTFO NEWS/PACNEWS