Vava’u’s anticipated airport overhaul, initially hailed as a boost for Tonga’s economy is seeing renewed commitments for investment despite setbacks.
Acting Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu confirmed Friday that a New Zealand business would oversee operations at Vava’u’s Lupepau’u International Airport to support economic growth.
However, Vaipulu did not reveal the company’s name or specific details, saying only that the business proposed to invest without financial commitments from the government.
In response to media queries about the engagement process, Vaipulu confirmed there was no open bid, as the business offered to fund the project.
In 2021, there was a $172 million proposal upgrade to Vava’u International Airport by a UK company Raw Mana, which included a new terminal, extended runway, and solar-powered infrastructure aimed at boosting tourism and trade. However, those plans never materialized.
The Vava’u airport is currently managed by Tonga Airport Limited.
Meanwhile, the Tonga Business Registry shows a company named Vava’u International Airport Ltd has been registered as a foreign enterprise, with a business activity of passenger air transport. The company is set to begin operations in January 2025.
The company’s directors include Liberio Riosa, Sandip Chopra, and Shahroom Shah who are also linked to the Intelligent Green Energy company in New Zealand.
This is a developing story.