Fiji's Nadi airport gains three Japan-funded boats for water rescues

Fiji Airports has added three rescue boats to its emergency fleet at Nadi International Airport, funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The vessels are intended to strengthen the airport operator's ability to respond to aviation emergencies occurring over or near water.

The handover took place under the Project for the Improvement of Aviation Safety Facilities at Major Airports in Fiji, an initiative covering aviation safety, emergency response and air navigation infrastructure.

Key facts

• One 7.6-metre rescue boat and two 4.3-metre rescue boats were delivered.
• The boats go to Fiji Airports' Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS).
• They were handed over at Nadi International Airport.
• Funding came from the Government of Japan through JICA.
• The wider programme follows a Grant Aid Agreement signed by the Governments of Fiji and Japan in September 2024.

What has been delivered?

The three vessels give ARFFS additional resources for water rescue operations and for assisting people in distress, Fiji Airports said. The delivery is part of a wider programme agreed by Fiji and Japan that also covers firefighting vehicles and navigation equipment.

Training formed part of the handover. ARFFS teams received practical instruction in the vessels' mechanical systems, maintenance and troubleshooting so they can operate them safely and reliably, according to Fiji Airports.

What else is included in the programme?

Beyond the boats, the initiative includes five new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicles for Nausori, Labasa, Savusavu and Matei airports. It also covers new VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation facilities at Momi, which serves Nadi, and at Labasa Airport.

Fiji Airports personnel have additionally received specialised training in instrument flight procedure design. The upgraded navigation infrastructure is intended to strengthen en-route and terminal navigation and support the development and updating of instrument flight procedures for Nadi and Labasa.

Who funded it?

The boats were funded by the Government of Japan through JICA as part of a Grant Aid Agreement signed by the Governments of Fiji and Japan in September 2024. Fiji Airports Acting Chief Executive Officer Amit Singh said the investment marked a step towards stronger emergency preparedness and protecting lives, and thanked Japan and JICA for their partnership.

The Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, His Excellency Hiroshi Tajima, said the handover reflected Japan's continued cooperation with Fiji on critical infrastructure and public safety. JICA Resident Representative in Fiji, Yumi Kimura, said the boats would strengthen emergency response, particularly for rescue operations at sea.

What this means for travellers

The announcement concerns emergency equipment and navigation infrastructure at Fijian airports rather than entry or travel procedures. No changes to visas, immigration, check-in processes or flight schedules are mentioned, so travellers do not need to take any action in response to this handover.

Fiji Airports said the wider programme continues to be delivered, with the aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles and navigation facilities forming part of the same initiative.