2 Oct 2003

Increased security in place at Fiji's Nadi Airport

3:21 pm on 2 October 2003

Security has been stepped up at Fiji's Nadi International Airport following threats to disrupt its operations.

The Daily Post reports that threats were made to undermine key operations at strategic locations in verbal confrontations this week after 19 air traffic controllers were made redundant by Airports Fiji Ltd.

The controllers were told to seek employment with Strategic Air Services Ltd which has been contracted to provide air traffic control.

The Post quotes its sources as saying the controllers know the security loopholes at Nadi airport and could strike at strategic locations regarded as the heart of airport operations.

Airport Fiji Limited's chief executive, Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia, has confirmed he has held meetings with the divisional police commander, the military and his own personnel to beef up security.

He says the official identity cards of the controllers have been removed and they will face arrest if they make any unauthorised entry.