Fagalii Airport, a key transportation hub in Samoa, has been officially reopened after a four-year closure, signalling a significant milestone for the nation’s aviation sector. The reopening ceremony, held on Monday afternoon, was attended by government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community, and local residents from Fagalii village.
Under the former administration, the airport had been shut down, but the current government, led by the Minister for Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va’ai, assured the nation that the airport is now safe for use. The reopening aligns with the government’s strategic roadmap, the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026,” and is expected to have positive impacts on both local communities and the overall economy.
During the ceremony, Minister Olo Fiti Va’ai provided a historical overview of Fagalii Airport, highlighting its initial construction in 1969 and subsequent opening in 1970. However, after thirty-five years of service, the airport was closed down by the government. It was then reopened in July 2009, only to face closure again in 2019 due to safety concerns.
The closure of Fagalii Airport not only affected the business community in Fagalii but also had repercussions for the two other domestic airports in Savai’i, namely Maota and Asau. Recognizing the importance of Fagalii Airport in facilitating travel between Savai’i, Upolu, and American Samoa, Minister Olo expressed his optimism about the positive outcomes that the reopening would bring.
The revival of Fagalii Airport is expected to bolster the country’s economy by attracting more travellers, both domestic and international. With increased flight routes and passenger numbers, the airport’s operations will provide employment opportunities for the people of Fagalii and create a conducive environment for the growth of small businesses located nearby.
Minister Olo Fiti Va’ai reassured attendees that the airport had undergone rigorous safety inspections and met all necessary international requirements. He expressed gratitude to the government, community members, especially the elders and residents of Fagalii village, and the district of Vaimauga No. 1 for their support in making the reopening a reality.
The Samoa Airport Authority (S.A.A.) played a crucial role in the airport’s refurbishment. They renovated the terminal, allowing for the inclusion of additional spaces to accommodate local businesses catering to travellers between Samoa and American Samoa. Furthermore, the S.A.A. extended the runway from 700 to 800 meters and resealed it using asphalt, ensuring its adherence to international aviation standards.
The reopening of Fagalii Airport is expected to generate revenue for the S.A.A. through landing fees and lower airspace charges. This financial influx will contribute to the sustainable development and enhancement of Samoa’s aviation infrastructure.
While plans to reopen the airstrip faced criticisms from the former Prime Minister and leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Minister Olo responded by clarifying that conflicts between Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways regarding parking and landing fees were among the reasons cited by the previous administration for the airport’s closure.
The successful reopening of Fagalii Airport stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the country’s transportation infrastructure and promoting economic growth. As the airport resumes operations, it is poised to connect communities, facilitate trade, and open up new avenues of development for the beautiful island nation of Samoa.
