pn799. Aid and Development in Vava'u, Tonga

 Geographically the Kingdom of Tonga comprises three groups of coral and raised coral islands — Vava'u in the north, Ha'apai in the centre, and Tongatapu in the south — flanked by a number of small volcanic island to west, from Nuiafo'ou north of Vava'u to 'Ata far to the south of Tongatapu.

DESTINATION PACIFIC

An experience like the Maldives': Tonga's Vava'u Airport to be upsized as part of $172m development

• 20/10/2021
• Dan Lake

This is a very different Neiafu than I remember from the 1960s. ACW

Tonga's Vava'u Airport is to be upgraded and have its runway lengthened as part of a NZ$172 million project intended to ensure the airport has capacity for direct international flights once global travel resumes.

The new development will allow Kiwi tourists to fly direct to Tonga's main tourism hub Vava'u for the first time as well as expanding trade access for a wider range of goods and services. 

New Zealand is Tonga's largest tourism market, making up 42 percent of visitor numbers.

Aotearoa is also a key export market for Tonga with two-way trade between the countries valued at NZ$240 million per annum. 

Diagram showing airport extensions. Photo credit: Raw Mana

The project will see Vava'u International Airport's existing building replaced with a proposed new 8000sqm terminal and cargo facility along with an extended runway capable of accommodating long-range aircraft.

Investors hoped the new 2700m extended runway will allow for direct access from destinations including New Zealand and extending to Australia, the US, UAE and Asian markets such as Japan and China.

The airport currently services seasonal flights from NadiIt's not just Kiwi travellers who may benefit from the new airport either.

"Talks are currently underway with New Zealand architects, along with those in other markets, around the design of the new airport which will also provide opportunities for specialist skilled labour," a spokesperson for construction company Raw Mana said.