Work starts on rectifying the Labasa Airport runway

Airports Fiji Limited is now working on ensuring that the surface of the Labasa airport runway is at an acceptable standard for Pacific Sun.

Pacific Sun has decided to cancel all its flights to and from Labasa as questions are now being raised on how the work was carried out on the runway.

General manager Shaenaz Voss had earlier said that their decision follows an extensive inspection and analysis of the airport runway by New Zealand Civil Engineering Company Downer Ltd.

Voss has already highlighted that additional work must be accomplished to prevent loose gravel and chips from the repaired runway from damaging ATR-42 and DH-6 Otter aircraft and engines during takeoff and landing.

They have already had to repair and replace three ATR-42 engines this year due to damage caused by the condition of the old runway.

Permanent secretary for Civil Aviation Elizabeth Powell said further inspections will be carried out later this week as work continues to rectify the issue.