Lightning Strike Disrupts Nadi Airport's Landing Lights, Causing Flight Diversions
Nadi International Airport's landing lights were temporarily out of operation due to a lightning strike, leading to significant disruptions for several flights. The incident caused a chain reaction of diversions, affecting both domestic and international travel.
Fiji Airways Flight FJ950, en route from Canberra, was initially diverted to Nausori Airport. However, it later returned and successfully landed at Nadi International Airport, according to Flightradar data. This was a relief for passengers who had to make alternative travel arrangements.
Other flights were not so fortunate. Flight FJ910 was redirected to Apia, while FJ262 from Port Vila and FJ274 from Tonga also took the same route. Additionally, Virgin Australia's VA179 flight was diverted to Noumea, and Fiji Airways' FJ460 was also forced to land in Apia.
The impact of the disruption extended beyond these diversions. Two departing flights, FJ413 to Auckland and FJ915 to Sydney, were also affected. The former was delayed, taking off at 8:45 pm instead of the scheduled 8:00 pm, while the latter was unfortunately canceled.
Fiji Airports promptly addressed the issue, which was identified during a routine night inspection at 7:15 pm. Their technical response team swiftly restored the lighting system by 8:30 pm, ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations.
Fiji Airports expressed their apologies to the affected passengers and emphasized their commitment to passenger safety, a top priority for the airport management. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential impact of natural phenomena on air travel infrastructure and the importance of swift and effective response systems.
