Fuel contamination at Nadi Airport disrupts flights
A fuel contamination issue at Nadi International Airport has forced airlines that fly to Fiji to take unusual measures, including flying in their own fuel, refuelling at alternate airports, and cancelling some services. The problem, described by a Virgin Australia spokesman as a temporary fuel issue, stems from an unusable delivery of fuel from one of Fiji Airways' suppliers, according to the airline's chief operations officer, Aaron Dean.
Fiji Airways, the national carrier, confirmed that there was a fuel shortage due to an unusable delivery from a supplier, but said it was not anticipating disruption to its own flights. Dean said the airline was working closely with relevant government agencies, Fiji Airports Limited, and industry partners to ensure operations continue smoothly. All fuel, he stressed, is subject to Fiji Airways' rigorous testing and clearance requirements before use.
Airlines adapt to the shortage
Air New Zealand has been among the airlines most visibly affected. A spokesperson told 1News that over the previous two days the airline had taken measures to manage the fuel restrictions in Fiji, including tankering fuel—carrying extra fuel to reduce what is needed at Nadi—cancelling one service, and upgauging two services to its widebody aircraft. All impacted passengers, the spokesperson said, had been reaccommodated on services departing that day. The airline thanked customers for their patience and understanding while working to minimise disruption.
Australian carriers have also been affected. Virgin Australia stated that its Nadi services were refuelling in Port Vila or Noumea, the capitals of Vanuatu and New Caledonia respectively, due to the fuel shortage. Some flights were cancelled, including two on the day before this report: one from Brisbane and its returning flight. The airline, which usually operates six flights a day to and from Fiji from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, described the contamination as a 'temporary fuel issue'.
A Virgin spokesman said, "We understand more fuel has arrived into Nadi and is undergoing the standard testing and approval processes required before use. A pilot told 1 that he had to bring in 'more than 20 tonnes' of fuel to Fiji in order to make the flight back to Australia, which equates to roughly a third to a quarter of a tank on a standard plane that services Fiji.
Qantas, too, was reported to have acted: it switched to a larger Airbus A330 aircraft on its Sydney–Nadi route, which allows it to avoid refuelling in Nadi. The airline was quoted as saying the issue was affecting all carriers.
Cause remains unclear, airport says
The exact cause of the contamination has not been made public in the coverage provided. Fiji Airports, which operates the airport, did not confirm the cause, but a spokesperson said the airport was making 'operational adjustments' and 'closely monitoring the current aviation fuel situation.' In a separate update, Fiji Airports said: "Nadi International Airport remains open and operational, with established safety and operational protocols being maintained."
In a statement, the airport operator sought to reassure travellers that operations continued. Fiji Airways is operating roughly 80 domestic and international flights out of the airport per day, according to local reports.
Fiji Airways faces financial strain
The fuel issue, described as a 'very rare' contamination, was not the only of the airline's problems. Local media reported that Fiji Airways was facing an $80 million surge in its fuel bill, and the Fijian government approved an additional $127 million guarantee to help the airline manage rising fuel costs. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the increase was part of what the government describes as Fiji Airways' biggest fuel shock in more than 50 years.
Dean, however, did not directly link the contamination to the cost rise in the comment reported, focusing instead on mitigation. Fiji's popularity with travellers remained unaffected; last year, more than 219,000 New Zealanders visited, making it one of New Zealand's favourite holiday destinations.
As the situation evolves, airlines are likely to continue to rely on fuel tankering and diversion strategies until the contaminated fuel supply is deemed usable.