Several passengers were affected after the Nadi International Airport experienced a temporary disruption to the runway edge lights for both runways due to heavy thunderstorms and intense lightning activity across the Nadi area last night.
Fiji Airports says the lightning strike is believed to have occurred between 2pm and 3pm.
They say the issue was later identified during a routine inspection at approximately 7.15pm.
Fiji Airports says their technical response team acted swiftly, and full functionality of the runway lighting system was restored by 8.30pm.
They say as a precautionary safety measure, a number of inbound flights had to be diverted in line with international aviation safety standards, including four Fiji Airways services.
Affected flights include FJ 950 and FJ 960 and FJ274, which diverted to Nausori International Airport while FJ 910, which diverted to Faleolo International Airport in Samoa.
They say additionally, two departing flights had also faced disruptions including FJ 413 (initially scheduled to depart at 8pm but departed at 8.45pm
Flight FJ 915 got cancelled due to the curfew in Sydney.
While apologizing, Fiji Airways say they understand the disruption may have caused anxiety and inconvenience for passengers and their families.
They stress passenger safety and that of their airline partners and their crews remains their absolute priority.
Fiji Airways also thanked the passengers, airlines, and their airport community for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during these unforeseen weather-related disruptions.
