Airport review
Nadi, Fiji
WHERE
Nadi International Airport is on the west coast of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu and lies in the shadow of the Sabeto mountain range to the north. Nadi Airport is almost 200 kilometres from the nation’s capital, Suva.
AIRPORT CODE
NAN
WEBSITE
airportsfiji.com
TERMINALS
A modern international terminal opened in mid-2017 after a multi-million dollar makeover. Upgrades included self-check in kiosks, expanded immigration departure and arrivals areas with new immigration counters, an extra baggage carousel in the arrivals area, a new children’s play area, airline lounges and a complete overhaul of an overworked air-conditioning system. A smokers’ lounge and prayer room are new additions, while new duty-free shopping outlets have been added. Outside, a covered walkway between the terminal and bus pick-up points is much welcomed during monsoon season. The domestic terminal is located a short walk away from its flashy international terminal sibling.
LOUNGE ACCESS
Fiji Airways opened a new lounge in 2017. A living wall of green plants softens the modern design and furnishings with understated elegance. Located airside on the ground floor, the lounge has direct access to Spa @ The Gate for massage and spa treatments while awaiting your departure. It’s available to Air Niugini pssengers for a payment of FJD99 (about PGK155).
DISTANCE TO CBD
Downtown Nadi is about five kilometres from the airport. With the main road between the two seemingly in a permanent state of maintenance, traffic delays are not uncommon. Port Denarau Marina, the main departure point for the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands, is accessible via the same route. Domestic flights connect Nadi with Suva.
TAXIS & HIRE CARS
Fiji’s taxi system can be unpredictable (meters are officially mandatory but not always in use) but is overall safe, friendly and reasonably priced. A taxi rank is located outside the arrivals hall. All the major car hire companies are represented, along with a couple of local operators such as Bula, Carpenters and Satellite Rentals.
OTHER TRANSPORT
Public bus services by Pacific Express depart from Nadi to the Pacific Coast, Navua, Sigatoka, Suva and Lautoka.
WI-FI
Free Wi-Fi is available for up to 30 minutes throughout the terminal, with inexpensive plans available to purchase for longer layovers.
WHAT ELSE
In the 2018 Skytrax World Airport Awards, Nadi International Airport was named as one of the 10 most-improved airports in the world.
FAVOURITE CORNER
A duo of ukulele strumming Fijian gentlemen wearing sulus (traditional male wraparound skirts) and colourful bula shirts greet new arrivals. Walking into the customs hall and hearing those tinny tunes and melodic harmonies is a wonderful introduction to a country that is known for the warmth and friendliness of its people, starting at the airport.
SHOPS
With the terminal upgrade came new shopping options, although the variety is still limited in terms of international airport standards. Two major duty-free shops dominate and are rounded out by a handful of boutiques.
CLOSEST HOTELS
Fiji Gateway Hotel is located at the entrance to the airport precinct. Five-star resort hotels line the landscaped beach on nearby Denarau Island, about 20 minutes from the airport.
FOOD & DRINK
Airside, a food court is bathed in natural light from a wall of glass overlooking the runway, while a cafe is accessible for all in the check-in area before the immigration checkpoint.
Air Niugini flies from Port Moresby to Nadi twice weekly. See airniugini.com.pg.