Cost blocks Suva flights

Fiji Airways has firmly stated that the lack of direct international flights into Suva is primarily an issue of economic viability, not airport infrastructure. The airline's chief executive officer, Andre Viljoen, emphasized this point in response to calls for more direct routes.

The airline's position was made clear at a joint conference held in Nadi last week. Representatives from both the Fiji New Zealand Business Council and the New Zealand Fiji Business Council had been advocating for increased direct flight options between the two nations.

Viljoen explained that while Suva's airport can handle international traffic, the demand and profitability for such routes are not currently sufficient to justify the investment. The airline prioritizes routes that ensure financial sustainability, a key factor in maintaining its overall operations and service levels.

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The main barrier is not airport infrastructure, but economic viability.