The lack of commercial flights to Ovalau for nearly a decade has renewed calls for the reopening of Bureta Airstrip, with residents warning that its continued closure is hampering tourism and economic opportunities on the island.
Speaking during the Levuka Town Hall meeting, resident Anthony Sahai says the last commercial flight to Bureta Airstrip was about 10 years ago, and the facility is now used only for medical evacuations and training flights.
Sahai recalled an assurance made in 2023 by the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Viliame Gavoka that the matter would be looked into and the airstrip made operational again.
Insert: Sahai - No marketing in Levuka July 05
Sahai says the lack of regular air services has implications beyond transport, arguing that it is also limiting tourism growth on Ovalau.
He says Levuka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deserves greater prominence in Fiji's tourism marketing, adding that he has seen little promotion of the historic town in recent years.
Responding to his concerns, Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says Cabinet has approved the introduction of one commercial flight a week to Ovalau.
Turaga says the move recognises the importance of improving connectivity for the people of Levuka while also supporting local businesses and the tourism sector.
When asked when the decision was approved, Turaga said it was likely within the past month and undertook to confirm the details.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Premila Kumar agreed that tourism promotion has largely focused on Fiji's main tourism hubs, leaving outer islands and less developed areas behind.
Kumar says recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs have highlighted the need for greater investment in promoting destinations outside the traditional tourism centres.
She says this requires the Ministry of Tourism to first help develop tourism products in those areas, which could then be marketed by Tourism Fiji.
Commenting on the airstrip, Kumar noted that Cyclone Winston in 2016 caused extensive damage to Ovalau, including the airstrip, roads, buildings and seawall.
