Temporary Closure of Nadi International Airport forces Flight Diversions to Samoa

January 11, 2026

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10 January 2025 Apia Samoa. Fiji Airways flight FJ910 from Sydney to Nadi was diverted to Apia tonight due to the temporary closure of Nadi International Airport experiencing issues with its runway lights.

Reports indicated a power outage or malfunction affecting the runway lights, forcing diversions of Fiji Airways flights to Nausori and Samoa, as local emergency services in Fiji were called to respond to the situation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Airport Authority, afioga Faaofonuu Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu confirmed FJ310 landed at Faleolo International Airport at around 10:30pm Saturday night.

Faaofonuu said Faleolo Airport’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) team were contacted by Auckland Airport’s ATC to advise Nadi International Airport was temporarily closed.

Faanofonuu Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu, CEO/General Manager of the Samoa Airport Authority.

“They requested Samoa’s assistance due to the lack of proper runway lighting for safe landings at Nadi Airport,” said the SAA CEO.

“And of course, Samoa is well prepared and glad to respond to any such emergency call.”

The Airbus 350-900 was carrying 343 passengers.

“All passengers went through transit screening and then through to our departure lounges to await next steps.”

Faaofonuu said Nadi International Airport have since fixed the problem and the diverted flight is expected to depart Faleolo later tonight.

Another Fiji Airways flight FJ934 from Melbourne to Nadi, was also requested to be diverted to Apia, but Faleolo ATC confirms it is now returning towards Fiji.

Fiji Airways has confirmed the temporary closure of Nadi International airport to both arriving and departing flights, has caused widespread disruption to air services.

In a statement, the airline confirmed that the outage forced several international and domestic flights to divert to Nausori and Apia, and also resulted in the cancellation of FJ915 from Nadi to Sydney.

Affected passengers are being contacted directly with updates and assistance, and Fiji Airways thanked customers for their patience and understanding during the disruption.

Fiji Airways says although it was temporary, the closure is expected to result in significant delays and disruptions throughout the evening and overnight.

The Samoa Airport Authority CEO says Faleolo International Airport will remain on standby throughout the night to assist and respond to any more flight diversions necessary.

“Safety is always our top priority, and these diversions are required under aviation safety standards,” said Faaofonuu.

“So Samoa will continue to be on standby for Fiji Airways and offer support wherever possible to flights over the region tonight.”