Fiji's Main Airport: A Traveler's Guide To Getting There

Fiji's main airport is Nadi International Airport, located on the west coast of the country's largest island, Viti Levu. It is about 192 km (119 mi) northwest of the country's capital and largest city, Suva, which has its own smaller international airport. Nadi International Airport is an important regional hub for the South Pacific islands and handles about 97% of international visitors to Fiji.

Nadi International Airport

Nadi was chosen as the site of Fiji's major airport due to its location on the drier west coast of the main island, Viti Levu. The airport was originally built by New Zealand and completed in March 1940, before being extended in 1941-42. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces and the U.S. Navy. After the war, control of the airport was handed over to New Zealand in 1946, and the Fijian government began participating in its organisation in 1970, taking full control in 1979.

In 2013, Airports Fiji Limited commenced a $130 million modernisation project to upgrade the passenger terminal facilities at Nadi Airport, which was completed in 2017 and unveiled in 2018. Further improvements were announced in 2019, including plans for a new runway, an extension of the international terminal, and the implementation of smart technologies.

Fiji's busiest airport

Nadi International Airport is owned and operated by Fiji Airports Limited, which manages 15 public airports in the Fijian islands. The airport serves as the main hub for Fiji Airways and its subsidiaries, handling about 97% of international visitors to Fiji, with 86% of those being tourists. In 2019, the airport handled 2,485,319 passengers on international and domestic flights.

The airport has a rich history, with the original airstrips built by New Zealand in the late 1930s and extended in the early 1940s. During the Pacific War, it was utilised by the US Army Air Forces and later handed over to New Zealand in 1946. After Fiji gained independence in 1970, the Fijian government gradually took over the organisation and control of the airport.

Nadi International Airport has undergone several upgrades and improvements over the years. In 2003, a major upgrade was undertaken with an investment of FJ$72 million (US$36 million). In 2006, the apron area was replaced to accommodate larger aircraft and loads. More recently, a $130 million modernisation project was initiated in 2013 to enhance passenger terminal facilities, and further improvements are planned, including a new runway and an extension of the international terminal.

The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including duty-free outlets, eateries, and a massage parlour. It serves as a crucial hub for tourism in Fiji, offering a blend of Fijian, Western, and cosmopolitan cultures that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The airport's history

Nadi International Airport is the main airport in Fiji. It is located on the west side of the main island of Viti Levu, 10km (6.2 miles) from the city of Nadi and 20km (12 miles) from Lautoka. It is Fiji's main international gateway and is one of the two international airports in the country. The airport is owned and operated by Fiji Airports Limited, which controls the operations of 15 public airports in the Fijian islands.

The original airstrips at Nadi were built by New Zealand and completed between March 1939 and March 1940. The project was financed by Fiji's British colonial rulers. The airstrips were extended by New Zealand from November 1941, with the first 7,000ft (2,100m) runway completed by January 1942, and two more by April 1942. The work was requested and paid for by the United States of America for the South Pacific air ferry route.

During the Pacific War, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces, under the name USAAF Nadi, and by the U.S. Navy, which labelled it Naval Air Facility Nandi (NAF Nandi). In 1943, the 42nd Bombardment Group flew B-25 Mitchells from Nadi against Japanese targets.

After the war ended, control of the airport was handed to New Zealand on 20 December 1946, and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand began operations from Nadi in 1947. When Fiji gained independence in 1970, the Fijian government began participating in the organisation of Nadi Airport, taking full control in 1979.

The first tarmac runway was constructed in 1946 at a cost of £46,500. It measured 7,000ft (2,100m) by 150ft (46m). Nadi was selected as the major airport for Fiji due to its location on the drier west coast of Viti Levu. In the 1940s and '50s, the airport's official name was Colony of Fiji: Nadi Airport, although foreign timetables continued to use the phonetic spelling 'Nandi'.

In the first half of the 1960s, Nadi served as a key airport for the transfer of passengers from Auckland's Whenuapai Airport, which could not accommodate larger aircraft, onto the new DC-8s and Boeing 707s bound for North America and Europe. At one time, New Zealand controlled the world's largest Flight Information Service (FIS) from Nadi, covering 10,360,000 square kilometres.

In 1999, Fiji Airports Limited was established as a state-owned enterprise to operate and administer airports in Fiji, including Nadi International. In 2013, a $130m modernisation of passenger terminal facilities at Nadi was commenced by Airports Fiji Limited, with construction firms Hawkins Construction and Pacific Building Solutions contracted for the works.

Facilities at the airport

Nadi International Airport is the main airport in Fiji. It is located on the west side of the main island of Viti Levu, in the city of Nadi. The airport is owned and operated by Fiji Airports Limited and serves as the main hub for Fiji Airways and its subsidiaries.

Nadi International Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers and visitors. The airport has a single terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. It features separate arrival and departure terminals, with duty-free outlets offering a range of discounted goods, jewellery, books, boutiques, and eateries. There is also a massage parlour available for travellers seeking relaxation before or after their flights.

The airport has an extensive apron area of 26,000 square metres, capable of accommodating large aircraft. It has two runways: a short cross runway and a main runway. The main runway is 10,738 feet long and is located across the beach, parallel to Nadi Bay. The second runway is 7,007 feet in length. The longer runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS).

Nadi International Airport is equipped with modern baggage handling systems, including the WorldTracer baggage management system for locating lost or misplaced luggage. The airport also has a cargo facility covering 15,000 square feet, featuring integrated material handling systems, a unit load device (ULD) transfer vehicle, and a 12-tonne weighbridge.

Security is a high priority at the airport, with 24-hour CCTV surveillance covering the cargo facility and surrounding areas. The airport also employs advanced security and access control systems, including biometric technology and smart card access. Air traffic control and management are facilitated by a refurbished control tower and an aeronautical fixed telecommunication network (AFTN).

The airport offers check-in and ground handling services provided by Air Terminal Services (Fiji) Ltd (ATS), utilising the multiuser system environment (MUSE) that allows passengers to check in at any counter. ATS also provides a 24/7 flight information service and passenger assistance agents to help travellers upon arrival.

Transport to and from the airport

Nadi International Airport is the main airport in Fiji, located on the west side of the country's largest island, Viti Levu. It is situated 10km (6.2 miles) from the city of Nadi and 20km (12 miles) from the city of Lautoka. The airport is owned and operated by Fiji Airports Limited and is the main hub of Fiji Airways and its subsidiaries.

Nadi International Airport is conveniently located just a few minutes' drive from Denarau Island, which is home to several well-known hotels, including the Sheraton Fiji, Westin, Hilton, and Sofitel. The airport is also easily accessible from other popular tourist destinations in the area.

If you are arriving by car, the airport can be reached via the Rewa Bridge, a four-lane gateway that provides quick and easy access to and from the airport. This route will take you directly to the arrivals and departures terminals, which are located next to each other.

Several options are available for transport to and from the airport. Car rentals are available at the airport, and you can also use taxis or ride-sharing services. Local bus services are also an affordable option for getting to and from the airport. These buses operate on set routes and schedules, so be sure to plan your journey in advance. Additionally, some hotels and resorts may offer shuttle services to and from the airport. It is worth checking with your accommodation to see if this service is available.

For those seeking a more private transfer, chauffeur services can be arranged. These services offer a comfortable and luxurious journey to and from the airport and can be booked in advance.

When departing from Nadi International Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. The airport provides check-in services, and ground handling services are provided by Air Terminal Services (Fiji) Ltd (ATS), who also handle baggage services.

Frequently asked questions