New Funafuti International Airport Opens

The new terminal building will be used in two weeks’ time to ensure all the furnishings are in place

Tuvalu has reached another milestone in its aviation history with the opening of its new international airport.

This after it became the 192nd member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and signing an air service agreement with Air Kiribati late last year. Minister of Communication and Transport Monise Tuivaka Laafai in his keynote speech said these new developments are part and parcel of government’s commitment towards improving air service in Tuvalu.

Laafai said, “In the aviation industry, an airport terminal plays a key role…and to both air service operators and travellers, a well-designed and well-equipped terminal is critical.”

The Funafuti International Airport is part of the Tuvalu Aviation Investment Project funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association with a total grant of US$29.4 million (FJ$ 59.44m), according to Lasse Melgard, World Bank Resident Representative for the South Pacific and Country Director for Tuvalu.

Melgard said: “Investment in airports is crucial, not just for function, but also for form, as they are usually the first and last thing visitors see when visiting a country.” Representing the contractor Reeves International and CCB Envico Joint Venture, Site Manager, Brian Owen congratulated the people and government of Tuvalu for its new airport terminal, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity granted to Reeves International/CCB Envico JV to construct this magnificent building on behalf of the Tuvalu people.”

Honourable Laafai said: “The new terminal is of world standard and a masterpiece in the context of small economies like Tuvalu.”

Lasse Melgard said, “This isn’t just a terminal – its’ the gateway to Tuvalu for tourists, seafarers, official visitors and students, all coming and going from this central hub.”

Minister Laafai unveiled the plaque of the terminal after which Tuvalu Governor General Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, Lasse Melgard and Acting Prime Minister Namoliki Sualiki Neemia cut the ribbon and opened the building to the public for the first time. The event finished off with local dignitaries, senior government officials, invited guests and officers from the Ministry of Communication and Transport took a tour of the grand building.

The new terminal building will be used in two weeks’ time to ensure all the furnishings are in place, according to Minister Laafai.