Latest news with #NadiInternationalAirport
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
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Visit this island to dodge Thailand's 'The White Lotus' boom
The luxury resorts and picturesque destinations featured on the popular series The White Lotus have inspired fans and increased tourism to the real stars of the show, but not every locale has been able to adequately handle the influx of new visitors. The first season of The White Lotus led to a 386 percent increase in availability checks at the Four Seasons Maui in Wailea and the second season inspired tourists to visit Taormina, Sicily. And for the third season, Thailand—including key destinations like Koh Samui—will not be immune to the 'The White Lotus Effect.' Although Koh Samui looks stunning on the show, behind the scenes the infrastructure is already overburdened by tourism, according to the Thailand Environment Institute, a non-profit focused on sustainable development issues. There are currently 200,000 tons of waste—mostly from single-use plastics—sitting in Koh Samui and while the government is moving 60 tons of waste per day off the island, it can't keep up with the 180 to 200 tons being generated per day. Unfortunately, the new season of The White Lotus—sparking a new wave of wanderlust—may exacerbate the island's waste issues with the increase in additional tourists set-jetting to the Koh Samui, part of the Chumphon Archipelago in Thailand. However, for an idyllic tropical adventure, White Lotus fans should consider visiting Malolo Island, the largest of Fiji's Mamanuca Islands. This island is only a 10-minute helicopter ride from Nadi International Airport (NAN) or a 45-minute boat ride from Port Denarau. The 95-square-mile island of Koh Samui saw 3.4 million tourists in 2023, with numbers. Whereas, the country of Fiji—more than 330 islands—saw just over 1 million visitors in 2024. While this was a record high for the vacation destination, Fiji has fewer tourists than Koh Samui, which makes Malolo Island a less-crowded option with similar perks as the island used as the White Lotus backdrop in Season 3. (Related: A look at The White Lotus location and six more blockbuster backdrops.) Malolo Island and Koh Samui are warm and humid year-round with rainy and dry seasons. Malolo boasts an average temperature of 79°F (26°C), and in Koh Samui, average temps are between 82-90°F (28-32°C) with higher humidity. Both islands' clear, blue ocean water brimming with coral gardens attract snorkelers and divers. The visual appeal of Malolo Island is also strikingly similar to the Thai islands with hallmark palm trees and fine white sand, spotted with blooming frangipani trees. Unlike Koh Samui's more boisterous nightlife, Malolo Island's daylight hours are usually ruled by fun water sports and activities, such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking. At night, this Fijian island is quieter than Koh Samui, and free of late-night parties. However, resorts typically have lively beach bars serving cocktails in the evening. Don't miss out on the sunsets while visiting Malolo Island. Peni Ravitu, a tour guide with Tourism Fiji, says the sunsets are especially remarkable. Fiji's renowned friendly hospitality is just as famous as the welcoming vibe in Thailand. Here, people are greeted with bula instead of sawatdee-ka, but the joyful smiles and enthusiastic waves will still make visitors feel welcome. Cox says, 'Fijians are renowned for our natural friendliness, embodied in the spirit of 'bula'. Bula is a greeting you'll hear everywhere, and it means more than just 'hello'. It's a wish for the other person's good health, and an expression of joy, community, and connection.' She continues, 'Whether you're walking through a village, checking into a hotel, or just passing someone on the street, you'll likely be greeted with a big smile and a heartfelt bula! Our friendliness never feels forced; it's just who we are. People always remark upon our smiles and our warm hospitality, which we bestow freely upon each other and visitors. There's a strong emphasis in Fiji on respect and generosity, and people, here, genuinely take pleasure in making others feel at home.' In addition to the weather, health and wellness programs are in abundance when visiting Malolo Island as well as Koh Samui. The 3rd season of The White Lotus has a strong emphasis on mental and physical health, and fans can replicate many of the soothing scenes on Malolo Island, like practicing yoga in a thatched shala or relaxing with a soothing massage. Or find simple movement and meditation in a hike up to Malolo Hill to watch the sunrise. In the second episode, Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius) tells Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) and Laurie (Carrie Coon) that they had biometrics of women half their age. If you're curious about your own, wellness screenings are available from the Ayurveda practitioners at Six Senses Fiji, starting with a biomarker evaluation, resulting in recommended ways to optimize your body's health. The spa at Six Senses Fiji has the same natural beauty as the White Lotus spa and offers a similar breadth of treatments and programs, including guided meditation and chakra balancing. (Related: Cave meditation to colonics: 5 ways to experience Thai wellness on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.) Just as Koh Samui is surrounded by the Ang Thong National Marine Park, Malolo Island also has extraordinary ocean adventures accessible by boat. While the characters of The White Lotus simply cruise around on Gary's yacht in episode four, you won't regret packing a snorkel to see the magnificent coral reefs. For a more hands-on experience in marine restoration, join the Coral Gardeners, an organization that tends to coral nurseries and transplants coral to damaged reefs to help restore the delicate ecosystem. Set-jetters shouldn't miss the nearby Monuriki Island where the movie Cast Away, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year—was filmed. Sidney James Cox, a private tour guide with ToursByLocals recommends heading to the iconic island for a hike. 'Many people love to take a day trip to Monuriki Island, known as 'Castaway Island.' There are short hikes to amazing viewpoints here, and you can see many pristine beaches.' Malolo Island and the surrounding area are ideal for watersports. 'Paddleboarding, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing are all fun ways to get out in the ocean,' explains Cox. Adventurous wave riders can take a 30-minute boat ride to the famous, but challenging Cloudbreak surf spot, known for its world-class lef-hand wave that breaks over a shallow reef. Visitors to Malolo Island can immerse themselves in Fijian culture and learn about traditions such as meke performances, a traditional Fijian dance combined with song and storytelling to share the island's history, culture, and values. It's not uncommon for local resorts to host or feature these traditional performances on-site. Visitors to the island should also witness firsthand a lovo—a customary feast cooked in an underground oven. This Fijian feast usually consists of a slow-cooked chicken with sweet cassava as well as other meats and root vegetables marinated in flavorful local herbs and coconut milk. While on Malolo Island, visitors can't leave without trying kava. Fiji's national drink is made from dried yaqona root, a pepper plant. An acquired taste, the calming, intoxicating beverage hits the palate with bitter, earthy overtones, but the social aspects of the kava ceremony are what you will truly remember. Commonly practiced in Pacific Islands, the traditional ritual involves drinking the mildly sedative drink served from a communal bowl (tanoa) into coconut shells (bilo) to participants sitting in a circle. Kava gives the taster a numbing sensation in their mouth, followed by a mellow, relaxed feeling, amplified by the charm of being welcomed into a circle of strangers. Ravitu compares the importance of culture in Koh Samui and Malolo, saying, 'Both islands have a strong cultural identity, with Malolo embracing Fijian traditions that you can experience firsthand when visiting the neighboring village. This hospitality is driven by the upbringing of the Fijians where their traditional community mindset and welcoming ways are extended to tourists visiting the islands. Visitors often experience these cultural practices firsthand, such as the kava ceremony. This traditional ritual not only allows guests to connect with locals but also fosters a sense of belonging and shared experience.' (Related: Here's everything you need to know about Fiji.) While season 3 of The White Lotus was filmed in several Thailand locations, such as Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui, the main location for the eponymous hotel is the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Malolo Island also offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including 4- and 5-star resorts and standalone villas inspired by Fijian bures (thatched bungalows). At Six Senses Fiji, a GEM (Guest Experience Maker) helps ensure you have a seamless stay in one of their pool villas or two to five-bedroom residences and enjoy the amenities such as their KaloKalo Cinema under the stars. Six Senses has a Koh Samui location, and in real life, it is similar to The White Lotus-style accommodations and its health and wellness focus seen in season 3. For an adults-only experience, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is tranquil and romantic, with overwater bungalows in addition to their beachfront bures. Whereas its family-friendly sister resort, Malolo Island Resort, features a treehouse kids' club. Michelle Stansbury is a San Diego-based freelance writer who writes about travel, food, and parenting. Follow her on Instagram.
