Latest news with #NadiInternationalAirport
Los Angeles Times
08-07-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Looking for Paradise on Planet Earth? Fiji is Closer Than You'd Think
Fiji, an archipelago of breathtaking beauty shimmering in the South Pacific, lies approximately 1,300 miles from Australia's coast. It is a captivating realm of over 300 diverse islands, each unfurling a unique tapestry of exceptional experiences and offering a genuine, soul-stirring escape from that typical everyday grind. Whether you're after a deeply romantic getaway, a cherished family vacation creating lifelong memories or a restorative solo journey, Fiji stands as an attainable dream destination, poised to deliver an unforgettable, picture-perfect paradise. Fiji's reputation is built upon its endless transparent turquoise waters, its beaches adorned with impossibly soft, powder-white sands and opulent resorts that redefine island luxury. It can cater to every inclination; surrender to supine on sun-drenched shores, exhilarate with water sports in the pristine lagoons or explore the vibrant underwater world of its numerous, teeming coral reefs. Yet, beyond the natural beauty's allure, it is the Fijian people themselves, with their innate warmth and hospitality, who elevate the experience. They possess a gift for making every visitor feel not just welcomed but at home. The genuine connection imbues every visit with an unforgettable charm. Fiji offers a commendable range of accommodations to suit every preference, from world-class luxury resorts to comfortable mid-range hotels and charming lower-cost options. But for something truly special, try Nanuku, an exquisite high-end boutique resort nestled on Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. Sprawling across 500 acres of lush, meticulously maintained tropical landscape, Nanuku is a sophisticated beachfront sanctuary. Its collection of suites and private villas boast breathtaking ocean views, each thoughtfully furnished with elegant local decor that whispers of Fijian artistry and craftsmanship, creating a seamless blend of five-star comfort and authentic island spirit. After a scenic, if leisurely, two-hour drive from Nadi International Airport, a gracious welcome awaits in a complimentary cup of kava, the revered traditional Fijian beverage also known as 'grog.' Crafted from the root of the kava plant, this earthy, sedative drink is renowned for its calming effect, perfectly crafted to slide into the relaxed pace of island life – and is one best shared with your guides and other guests. Nanuku's Lomana Spa is essential. Here, in open-air treatment rooms with gentle sea breeze and utilizing the healing properties of the island itself – like therapies incorporating warm sand – a variety of massages and holistic body therapies promise deep rejuvenation. One of the undeniable highlights of the stay is a curated excursion to a private island nestled within Beqa Lagoon – just 20 minutes from the hotel's shores. Stepping off the boat onto this two-acre jewel of unspoiled paradise feels like entering a personal Eden. Then, kayak across crystal-clear waters, snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life and get a taste of freshly caught fish as the captain spears your lunch and grills it. At dusk, take in the Fijian performance known as a Meke. This enchanting spectacle is more than entertainment; it's a vibrant cultural tapestry where folklore, storytelling, graceful dance and evocative music intertwine. Dancers adorned in traditional Fijian attire move with a captivating grace. Resonant wooden drums, known as Lali, keep a powerful rhythm and bring guests closer to Fijian traditional culture. If you're looking to travel to this island paradise, timing is everything! Like many places in the South Pacific, Fiji features a tropical climate, with a designated rainy season typically spanning from November to April, and a drier sunny season from May to October, which is considered the optimal time to visit. While Fiji may feel like a world away, South Pacific paradise is surprisingly convenient. Flag carrier Fiji Airways offers daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) directly to Nadi International Airport, meaning the white sands and turquoise waters are about an 11-hour direct flight away (to put that into perspective, that's about as long as it takes to get to London). From Nadi, reaching a chosen resort destination is seamless, whether by car or a quick hopper flight or even a scenic boat journey across the sparkling waters. If you're ready to trade the pace of Southern California for gentle waves and vibrant coral reefs, Fiji awaits with open arms.
RNZ News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Foreigners overstaying visas 'a significant concern'
Fiji Immigration. Nadi International Airport. Photo: Fiji Immigration The Fijian Immigration Ministry is concerned about foreign nationals overstaying their visa permits. In a statement on Tuesday, the acting permanent secretary for immigration Lesikimauata Korovavala said Fiji has seen a rise in the number of foreigners seeking employment opportunities in the country. According to Fiji's immigration laws, foreigners who do not have proper authorisation are not permitted to be employed. Korovavala said that, while the Immigration Office acknowledges the need to attract skilled professionals, "compliance with immigration laws remains a key priority to ensure a well-regulated system." The Fijian government has identified the outbound exodus of Fijians as a major challenge to meeting the nation's labour demand. The government is considering revising laws to allow more overseas workers as a solution to address the outward migration and skills shortages. However, Korovavala said the number of foreign nationals without proper documentation "is of significant concern". "In light of this, all individuals currently residing in Fiji without a valid permit are strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to regularise their immigration status." Korovavala said this would prevent complications related to their departure from and re-entry into the country. The Immigration Ministry warns it will take action against those who are staying in the country unlawfully. He also urged Fijian employers to comply with immigration regulations. Last month, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto told parliament that the Immigration Department issued over 7500 work permits between August 2023 and January 2025. In November 2024, eight Bangladeshi workers absconded from their employers . Pio Tikoduadua, the immigration minister at the time, appealed to the migrant workers to "declare themselves to police", while the Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh they would be deported. Between January and July 2024, Bangladeshi nationals received 700 out of 1300 work permits.
Time Out
25-04-2025
- Time Out
You can now fly nonstop to this tropical island from DFW—here's why that's a game changer for Texans
Fiji gets a lot of attention for its beaches, and rightfully so. The island nation was immortalized on screen 25 years ago by Tom Hanks and his trusty volleyball in 'Cast Away,' and it's been a popular destination among honeymooners and scuba divers for decades. American travelers have no shortage of beaches to choose from when planning a vacation, including lots that are closer to home, like Hawaii and Mexico. But it's hard to beat Fiji's adventurous spirit. The island is well suited for intrepid travelers who want to explore its many islands, dive or snorkel its gorgeous reefs, hike and bike through its verdant mountains, and chase its rushing waterfalls. With a new flight providing direct access for Texans, and Fiji Airlines recently joining the AAdvantage program, it's now easier than ever to go. Here's what to know before planning your trip. How to get to Fiji Fiji Airways recently launched a direct flight from DFW to Fiji's Nadi International Airport (NAN), so that's the best bet for Texas travelers. Non-stop service operates three times per week— Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It's about 13 hours each way, so wear something comfortable, download the latest season of your favorite series and settle in. Travelers not departing from DFW can also fly direct from LAX, SFO and HNL in the U.S., or connect through one of these airports to reach the destination. Fiji Airways recently joined the AAdvantage program, so DFW-based travelers—or anyone who typically flies American Airlines or other Oneworld members like Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas or Qatar Airways—can earn points and miles toward status. What's it like to fly Fiji Airways? The DFW to NAN flight operates aboard the Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft. The plane has 301 economy class seats and 33 business class seats. The latter are lie-flat and obviously the most comfortable option, but Fiji Airways did win Best Economy Class in Australia and Pacific at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards in 2024, so you're in good hands either way. I was invited to fly in business class as part of the route's rollout. The cabin has a standard 1-2-1 configuration, so solo travelers can secure a window seat, while couples may prefer to occupy adjoining seats in the middle. Whichever you choose, the seats are spacious, featuring storage cubbies, large TVs and touchscreen controls that allow you to adjust from an upright position to a fully flat bed, or anywhere in between. Upon boarding, guests are given a bottle of Fiji water, a hot towel and the choice of champagne or orange juice. Dinner was a three-course meal, with a selection of starters—pea watercress soup, grilled prawns with pineapple salad—mains including barbecue chicken and seared halibut salad, and desserts. Breakfast features a smaller menu, but there's still room to customize your meal. Service on board was warm and friendly, and the flight attendants regularly checked on me to refill drinks and ensure I had everything I needed. Once dinner service was over and the lights were dimmed, a flight attendant offered to make my bed with the provided linens, so I could relax during the overnight portion of the flight. I'm not particularly adept at sleeping on planes, even when fully stretched out, but I managed to catch a few hours of sleep and arrived at NAN airport relatively refreshed considering the 18-hour time change and 5am landing. Where to stay in Fiji The Fiji archipelago is composed of more than 300 islands. About 100 are inhabited and far fewer are frequented by tourists. Many visitors land at NAN and stay on Viti Levu, the largest island. There you'll find major hotels like Westin and Sheraton close to the airport, as well as other properties like InterContinental about an hour down the coast. Each has multiple restaurants, pools and access to golf. Viti Levu is also stocked with budget options and high-end boutique properties, so there's something for every traveler. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches of the Mamanuca islands are another popular choice. Just an hour boat ride away from Viti Levu, this string of islands is a reasonable day trip, but if you're sticking around, there are hotels geared toward backpackers and couples, iconic surf spots, gorgeous reefs and opportunities to check out Modriki, the island setting of 'Cast Away.' Taveuni is Fiji's third-largest island and is perfect for outdoor adventures. It's known as the 'Garden Island' due to its lush foliage, reefs, waterfalls and other natural wonders. If you're adding Taveuni to your itinerary, check out Tides Reach Resort. The small, family-run resort sits right on the beach and caters to your every need, with custom meals and guided outings to visit waterfalls, scuba dive, snorkel, hike, bike or otherwise explore all this island has to offer. The staff sings a song to greet you upon arrival and wish you well upon departure, a nice touch that expresses Fijians' famously warm hospitality. There are several more options for where to base your trip, including Vanua Levu island and the more remote Kadavu, so it's helpful to decide what type of trip you want to take before booking. What to do in Fiji Fiji is a choose-your-own-adventure destination, where visitors can do as much (scuba diving), or as little (umbrella drinks on the beach) as they want. If your primary goal is relaxation, you could post up somewhere luxurious and rotate between the spa, the beach, restaurants and your room. But again, you can do that in Mexico, or somewhere else that doesn't require a long flight. So take advantage of Fiji's multi-island setting and go exploring. Since water-based activities are easy to come by, spend some time on the ocean and dive, snorkel, surf or kayak. If you prefer land adventures, you can hike up mountains to find hidden waterfalls, e-bike along coastal roads or go four-wheeling through muddy tracks. One cultural highlight of my trip was visiting a village on Viti Levu. We booked a spot on the Sigatoka River Safari and speeded down the river in a jet boat, stopping at a village to meet locals, eat a traditional feast and participate in a kava ceremony. The half-day experience is an accessible peek behind the curtains into daily life in Fiji. And while drinking kava is associated with mild euphoria, the combination of kind people and a beautiful setting still produces the best natural high you can get.
Observer
05-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to the global alliance
Muscat: Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, has started offering oneworld benefits available to customers around the world. 'The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before,' said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. 'Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld's global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family.' Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 25 destinations in 14 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, and its newest global destination, Dallas-Fort Worth, further connecting the airline into the oneworld network. 'Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world, said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. 'As a full member, we are excited to offer our customers even greater benefits and seamless connectivity across the extensive oneworld network. We look forward to welcoming more oneworld customers onboard to experience the beauty of Fiji and the exceptional service of Fiji Airways." Fiji Airways has also adopted the American Airlines award-winning AAdvantage® travel rewards programme as its frequent flyer programme, ensuring its most frequent travellers can now enjoy all the benefits of the oneworld alliance as AAdvantage® members. Taking to the skies on September 1, 1951, Fiji Airways now boasts a fleet of 23 state-of-the art aircraft, including its flagship A350-900s, offering customers warm and welcoming Fijian hospitality on all flights.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Paradise Found: oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance
Fiji Airways adopts award-winning AAdvantage® as its travel rewards programme FORT WORTH, Texas, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- oneworld® alliance today welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite of oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginning 01 April 2025. Fiji Airways will provide top tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline: Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including recently opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam's Schiphol and Seoul's Incheon airports Priority check-in and boarding Earning and redeeming miles Earning Tier Points "The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before," said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. "Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld's global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family." Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 25 destinations in 14 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and its newest global destination, Dallas-Fort Worth, further connecting the airline into the oneworld network. "Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world, said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. "As a full member, we are excited to offer our customers even greater benefits and seamless connectivity across the extensive oneworld network. We look forward to welcoming more oneworld customers onboard to experience the beauty of Fiji and the exceptional service of Fiji Airways." Fiji Airways has also adopted the American Airlines award-winning AAdvantage® travel rewards programme as their frequent flyer programme, ensuring its most frequent travellers can now enjoy all the benefits of oneworld alliance as AAdvantage® members. Taking to the skies on 1st September 1951, Fiji Airways now boasts a fleet of 23 state-of-the art aircraft, including its flagship A350-900s, offering customers warm and welcoming Fijian hospitality on all flights. Fiji Airways continues to be recognised for its excellence, earning a Five Star Major Airline rating from APEX for the third consecutive year and multiple Skytrax 2024 awards, including Best Airline, Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific. As part of its oneworld integration, Fiji Link joins as an affiliate airline, further expanding the alliance's reach with domestic services across Fiji and regional connections to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. To learn more about oneworld and its member airlines, visit For media queries, please contact press@ About oneworldoneworld brings together 14 world-class airlines – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines, and more than 20 of their affiliates. oneworld member airlines work together to consistently deliver a superior, seamless travel experience, with special rewards and privileges for its frequent flyers, including earning and redeeming miles and points across the entire alliance network, access to airport lounges, priority check in and boarding and extra baggage allowances and more. Learn more about the the oneworld® alliance at Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. About Fiji Airways:Founded in 1951, the Fiji Airways airline group comprises Fiji Airways, Fiji's international airline, and its wholly owned domestic and regional subsidiary, Fiji Link. Fiji Airways is a member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link serve 101 destinations in over 14 countries (including codeshare). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, India, Japan, China, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 70 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 2000 employees, and earned revenues of over FJD$1.7 billion (USD $770m) in 2023. Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in June 2013. Visit for more information. About American AirlinesAs a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting and connect with American @AmericanAir and at To Care for People on Life's Journey®. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE oneworld Management Company, Inc Sign in to access your portfolio
