Fiji's Airport Gateway: All You Need To Know

what is the airport in fiji

Fiji has 33 airports and airfields across its 333 islands, with two international airports and 13 smaller airports located on its outer islands. The main international airport, Nadi International Airport, is located on the western side of the main island, Viti Levu, and handles 96% of the country's total passengers annually. The airport is conveniently located close to popular hotels and resorts and is also a hub for domestic flights. Nausori International Airport is Fiji's second international airport, situated on the eastern side of Viti Levu, and operates many of the country's domestic flights.

Characteristics Values
Number of airports and airfields 33
Number of islands with airports and airfields 333
Number of international airports 2
Main international airport Nadi International Airport
Location of main international airport Namaka, western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island
Distance of main international airport from Suva 190 km (118 mi)
Percentage of international visitors handled by the main international airport 96-97%
Number of airlines operating from the main international airport 12
Number of destinations served by the largest airline operating from the main international airport 27
Number of smaller regional airports 31
Number of outer islands with airports 13
Names of some outer islands with airports Labasa, Taveuni, Savusavu, Rotuma, Gau, Koro, Bureta, Kadavu, Vanuabalavu, Cicia, Moala, Lakeba

shunhotel

Nadi International Airport

Fiji has 33 airports and airfields across its 333 islands, two of which are international airports. Nadi International Airport is the main international airport in Fiji, located in Namaka on the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. It is about 10 km (6 mi) from the city centre of Nadi and 190 km (118 mi) from the capital city, Suva. The airport has a tropical vibe, with palm trees and a relaxed atmosphere, and is known for its hospitality. It handles 96-97% of the country's total international passengers annually and is also a hub for domestic flights, serving as the main hub for inter-island travel in Fiji.

Twelve airlines operate at Nadi International Airport, serving flights to and from 24 destinations. Fiji Airways is the largest airline in the country, with a total of 27 flight destinations and 15 aircraft in its fleet. The airport is easily navigable, with a small and laid-back atmosphere, making it a pleasant experience for travellers.

Nausori Airport, located in Nausori about 23 km (14 mi) north of Suva, is Fiji's second international airport. It is smaller than Nadi International Airport and primarily serves domestic flights, with a weekly or twice-weekly international flight schedule with Tuvalu. It is a convenient gateway for travellers heading to Suva and offers a more intimate and relaxed experience.

shunhotel

Nausori International Airport

Fiji has two international airports: Nadi International Airport and Nausori International Airport. This answer will focus on Nausori International Airport.

The airport offers various transportation options, including car rental services available 24 hours a day. The bus is a convenient and popular choice for travelling to and from the airport, with direct routes available to different destinations.

The best time to plan a visit to Nausori is between October and November. The airport staff are known for their friendliness and efficiency in handling luggage, dining, cab, and immigration processes. The well-designed layout of the airport enables a smooth and relaxing transit experience, with comfortable waiting areas and helpful staff on hand to assist travellers.

shunhotel

Domestic island airports

Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji Islands, is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of more than 332 islands, of which 110 are permanently inhabited, and over 500 islets. The country has 17 airports in total, including 13 smaller airports located on its outer islands.

Nadi International Airport (IATA: NAN, ICAO: NFFN) is the main international airport of Fiji. It is located on the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island, and is the country's tourism hub. The airport is about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the city of Nadi and 20 km (12 mi) from Lautoka. It is owned and operated by Fiji Airports Limited and is the main hub for Fiji Airways and its subsidiary Fiji Link. The airport handled 2,485,319 passengers on international and domestic flights in 2019, accounting for about 97% of international visitors to Fiji. Nadi is also known for its duty-free outlets, eateries, and massage parlours.

Nausori Airport, Fiji's second international airport, is situated on the eastern side of Viti Levu, about 30 minutes from the country's capital, Suva. It offers easy access to the capital via the Rewa Bridge and is close to the bustling centre of the South Pacific.

The 13 smaller domestic island airports in Fiji are located on the following outer islands:

  • Labasa
  • Taveuni
  • Savusavu
  • Rotuma
  • Gau
  • Koro
  • Bureta
  • Kadavu
  • Vanuabalavu
  • Cicia
  • Moala
  • Lakeba
  • Matei Airport, Taveuni Island

Matei Airport, located in Fiji's northeast region, is known for its volcanic terrain, unique flora, a mountain crater lake, and luxury coastal resorts.

shunhotel

Fiji Airways

The history of Fiji Airways dates back to 1947 with the formation of Katafaga Estates Ltd. by Australian aviator Harold Gatty. Gatty, who had navigated a record-breaking round-the-world flight in 1931, registered the airline in 1947 after establishing a coconut estate in Fiji's eastern island group. In 1951, the airline was renamed Fiji Airways, and its inaugural flight took place on September 1, 1951, departing from Suva's Nausori Airport to Drasa Airport.

In 1958, Qantas acquired Fiji Airways, and the airline was renamed Air Pacific to reflect its regional presence. Over the years, the airline expanded its operations and began flights to the United States in 1983 with a route to Honolulu. In 2005, Air Pacific acquired Sun Air and began operating as its domestic and regional subsidiary.

In May 2012, the airline announced its rebranding back to its original name, Fiji Airways, to reinforce its role as the national airline of Fiji. The rebranding coincided with the delivery of new aircraft, including the A330 and Boeing 737 MAX 8, and the introduction of a new logo that symbolises Fiji.

Today, Fiji Airways operates a fleet of 15 aircraft, serving 27 domestic and international destinations. The airline is majority-owned by the Fiji government (52%) and the Fiji National Provident Fund (30%), with Qantas holding a 16% stake. Fiji Airways is an important part of Fiji's tourism industry, bringing in 64% of all visitors who fly to the country.

The Evolution of McCarran Airport's Name

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Fiji's outer islands

Fiji has 17 large airports, with Nadi International Airport being the main one. Handling 96% of the country's total passengers annually, it is located on the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. The airport offers flights to and from 24 destinations, with Fiji Airways being the leading airline.

Now, onto Fiji's outer islands. The outer islands of Fiji are split into several different groups. Some are large islands with smaller islands surrounding them, while others are a collection of smaller islands. Fiji has over 330 islands, of which only a third are inhabited. The outer islands may not have the same variety of accommodation types as the main island, and activities such as jet boating, ziplining, and white water rafting are not available there. However, the outer islands offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences.

Viti Levu, the main island, is a large island with an array of landscapes and holiday experiences. It is the perfect base to get a taste of everything Fiji has to offer, from beaches and scuba diving to city sightseeing and wellness retreats. The Coral Coast, located along the southern shores of Viti Levu, is a popular holiday destination with luxury and family-run resorts.

Vanua Levu is the second-largest island in Fiji, located north of Viti Levu. It is surprisingly underdeveloped and quieter than Viti Levu, with small villages and sugarcane plantations. Savusavu, located on Vanua Levu, is gaining popularity as a holiday destination, known for its scenic harbour and geothermal hot springs. Taveuni Island, the third-largest island, is known as the 'Garden Island' for its lush tropical rainforests and abundance of flora and fauna. Kadavu Island, the fourth-largest island, is remote and uncrowded, making it a popular destination for serious divers. With the Great Astrolabe Reef along its southern coast, Kadavu offers the opportunity to explore Fiji's diverse sea life.

Frequently asked questions

Nadi International Airport is the main airport in Fiji, located in Namaka on the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. It handles 96% of the country's total passengers annually.

Yes, Fiji has 33 airports and airfields across its 333 islands, two of which are international airports. Nausori International Airport, located in Nausori, is Fiji's second international airport. There are also 13 smaller airports located on Fiji's outer islands, including Labasa, Taveuni, Savusavu, and Rotuma.

Fiji Airways is the largest airline in the country in terms of scheduled passenger traffic and fleet size. It flies to 27 domestic and international airports and currently has a fleet of 15 aircraft.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment