NUKU’ALOFA – A Fiji Airways flight from Sydney was diverted to Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, on Tuesday after three unsuccessful landing attempts in Nadi, Fiji, due to severe weather conditions brought on by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu. The flight, carrying dozens of passengers, was rerouted as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety, according to a statement released by the airline.
The diversion underscores the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events to air travel in the South Pacific region, a critical transportation hub for tourism and regional connectivity. Fiji Airways confirmed that safety is the airline’s highest priority during periods of inclement weather, operating under standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and enforced domestically by Fiji’s civil aviation regulators.
“Safety remains the highest priority in all Fiji Airways operations, particularly during periods of severe weather,” the airline stated. Fiji Airways anticipates resuming the flight to Nadi once weather conditions improve and has apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The carrier said its operations and safety teams were coordinating with air traffic control and airport authorities in both Fiji and Tonga to manage crew duty limits, aircraft positioning, and onward connections.
Fiji Airports reported widespread disruptions to air travel, with six international flights – including services operated by Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia – and all domestic Fiji Link flights cancelled on Tuesday. The cancellations have left numerous travelers stranded and prompted logistical challenges for the airport authority, which is now working with tourism operators to accommodate affected passengers across Fiji’s main holiday gateways, including Nadi and other resort areas highlighted by national tourism planners such as Viti Levu’s coastal hubs.
Passengers aboard the diverted flight described a turbulent experience. One traveler, speaking to ABC News, recounted the ordeal as “hairy,” expressing relief that the pilots opted to divert after the third attempted landing. “There were a few yelps and there was a bit of motion sickness going on up there, which was obviously not ideal,” she said. “The wind shear was pretty crazy up there, so I’m glad that they made a decision to move on.”
Another passenger, traveling with his wife and three children, described the situation as “pretty dramatic,” noting that several passengers became ill during the aborted landing attempts. “There were basically people spewing up and down the aisles,” he said. “Fortunately, my kids were pretty good; they sat there half asleep or they were entertaining themselves.”
The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain warning for the country, remaining in effect as of Wednesday. The warning indicates that the cyclone continues to pose a threat to the region, with potential for further disruptions to travel and daily life. The cyclone’s path and intensity are being closely monitored by regional meteorological agencies, whose advisories inform aviation safety decisions and trigger contingency planning by airlines and airport operators.
Fiji Airways has not yet announced a specific timeline for resuming normal flight operations to Nadi, but continues to monitor the situation closely. The airline said decisions on future services will be made in line with official weather guidance and aviation safety regulations. Passengers are advised to check the airline’s website for updates on flight schedules, potential delays, and revised travel arrangements.
