Fagalii Airport

Samoa News reports several issues have been cited in the wake of the opening of the upgraded airport this week.

Samoa Airways landed there the day it opened; it said the trees and the telephone tower should be removed.

The Samoa Government it spent $2.6 million tala re-opening the airport.

Construction workers have completed upgrading the landing strip and work is underway on the parking lot.

The American Samoa Government has been very keen for Fagalii to re-open because of its proximity to Apia.

This will be the third time Fagalii has re-opened after shutdowns - the most recent in 2020 on safety grounds.

Its re-opening was promised by Samoa's FAST Party when it was campaigning ahead of the last election.

Fagalii Airport has been shuttered since 2019 because it fell into disrepair, but Western Samoa’s minister for public enterprises, Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo, says the government will invest money to make it operational again.

The runway is only 670m-long (2,198ft) but the airport is located next to the city centre of Apia whereas the country’s international airport, Faleolo International Airport, is about one hour drive from Apia.

“The whole purpose of this exercise is to gauge the readiness and preparedness of our own staff and those working at Fagalii Airport and key government agencies to respond to an emergency incident that places the lives of people at risk at Fagalii Airport,” said the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Seiuli Tupuivao Alvin Tuala.

The drill was conducted from 9.45am to midday yesterday.

Police said the two men, who are in their 40s, were arrested when they came to get a parcel containing 5.9 grams of methamphetamine.

RNZI reports the two suspects were charged with possession and importation of an illegal drug.

They will appear in the Supreme Court in two weeks.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Sala'a Moananu Sale has told reporters that inquiries have been made with American Samoa authorities on how the illegal drug got through customs checks.

Photo file: Fagalii Airport, Samoa