Cicia Airport

Cicia Airport sits on the eastern side of Cicia Island, one of the northern Lau Islands in Fiji. The airport handles a handful of turboprop flights each week, primarily from Nausori Airport on Viti Levu, using aircraft that carry between 15 and 40 passengers. With no paved roads connecting the island’s villages to the airstrip, the journey from tarmac to accommodation is an experience in itself. This guide covers everything needed to navigate the airport and understand what makes Cicia worth the journey.

Getting There

Most travellers reach Cicia Airport via a Fiji Link flight from Nausori Airport in Suva. The flight takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes, crossing the Koro Sea and passing over several smaller islands like Moala and Vanua Balavu. It is the only scheduled air service to the island; there are no direct flights from Nadi. From the airport, there are no taxis, buses, or rental cars. Arrangements must be made in advance with the resort or village you are visiting – often a representative meets the flight with a pickup truck or boat if your destination is on another part of the island. The road from the airport to the main village of Mabuco is unpaved and can be muddy after rain. Allow 20–30 minutes for the 8-kilometre drive. If you are staying at one of the remote beach resorts on the western coast, a boat may be necessary from the airport’s jetty at low tide. Charter flights can also be arranged, but come at a premium. Given the limited schedule, book your flights well ahead and confirm your return departure time with the airline the day before.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building is a single-story structure with a corrugated iron roof and louvre windows that let in the tropical air. Upon arrival, passengers walk across the tarmac – there is no jet bridge or covered walkway – to a small waiting area with a concrete floor. Check-in for departing flights is a manual process: the Fiji Link agent weighs bags on a simple scale and issues handwritten boarding passes. The only confirmed facility is a toilet, located near the main entrance. It is a basic, clean squat toilet with a flush bucket, and paper is not always provided. There is no air conditioning, no food or drink vendor, and no seating beyond a few plastic chairs. A small counter serves as a desk for the airline staff. Passengers should carry their own water and snacks, as there are no shops nearby. Departure formalities are minimal: a quick hand-luggage inspection and a wait on the shaded porch until the aircraft is ready. The atmosphere is unhurried; people chat with staff and other travellers. Plan to arrive 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights – the process rarely takes longer.

Cicia Airport and the Region

Cicia Island is part of the Lau archipelago, a chain of volcanic and coral islands stretching east toward Tonga. With a population of fewer than a thousand people spread across four villages – Mabuco, Naceva, Tuvucini, and Vabea – the island is one of the least developed in Fiji. The traditional culture remains strong: kava ceremonies, Meke dances, and communal fishing are part of daily life. The airport is the only reliable link to the outside world; without it, the island would be reachable only by irregular cargo ships that call every few weeks. This isolation has preserved a slower pace and a society where hospitality is genuine. Visitors come for the untouched coral reefs surrounding the island, the chance to see humpback whales between July and October, and the opportunity to experience Fijian village life through homestays. The runway also serves as a gathering place – children fly kites on it when no planes are due, and locals walk their dogs along its length. The surrounding waters offer excellent diving and snorkelling with pristine soft corals, sea turtles, and reef sharks. On land, one can trek through coconut plantations and limestone caves. The region is historically significant as part of the Lau Confederacy, a traditional chiefly hierarchy that once held considerable power. The arrival of Christianity in the 19th century left a legacy of churches whose Sunday hymns can be heard across the island. For travellers willing to step off the beaten path, Cicia offers a rare glimpse into Fiji as it used to be.

Practical Information

Cicia Airport is not open every day. According to the busiest times, flights typically operate early on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. No flights are scheduled on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Check with Fiji Link or Airports Fiji for the latest timetable, as changes occur without notice. Contact Airports Fiji at +679 672 5777 or visit http://www.airportsfiji.com/outer_islands.php for updates. There is no ATM on the island; bring sufficient cash in Fijian dollars for any purchases, including village fees, handicrafts, or boat transfers. Taxis do not exist, so arrange transfers through your accommodation before arrival. Importantly, confirm your return flight at least 24 hours in advance – the airline can change departure times based on weather or maintenance. One concrete tip: pack a collapsible umbrella and a sarong to cover your head if it rains, as there is no shelter between the terminal and the aircraft — the walk is fully exposed.