Doesn’t the name Fagali’i Airport sound like the start of an adventure? This disused airport has a history as colorful as a Samoan sunset. Fagali’i Airport, located a mere 4.6km from Apia’s city center, has a past marked by closures and reopenings. It is closer to the capital than Apia Faleolo Airport which is 29.1km away.
Imagine this: It’s 1939. New Zealand’s colonial administration envisions a military airfield here. The land was to come from the Vailele plantation near Fagali’i. But those plans were shelved. Construction finally began in 1969 and flights to Pago Pago were operating by April 1970.
Originally, Fagali’i Airport was just a grass airstrip. Then in 2002, it was paved and reopened under Polynesian Airlines. However, safety and noise concerns led to its closure again in 2005. The government listened to the concerns of the village.
But the story of Fagali’i Airport doesn’t end there. July 1, 2009, saw Polynesian Airlines once again take to its skies. International flights to Pago Pago, American Samoa resumed. Not everyone was thrilled. Critics cited safety and environmental worries. Some feared the burden on local communities if the venture failed. In August 2014, a new VIP lounge opened. December 2014 saw flights to Maota Airport in Savai’i.
Several airlines have graced Fagali’i Airport like Polynesian Airlines now Samoa Airways. Also, Samoa Air, South Pacific Island Airways, and Talofa Airways.
In 2018, the Samoan Government decided the Samoa Airports Authority would run the airport. Fagali’i Airport closed for safety reasons on December 31, 2019. It failed to meet international standards. All flights moved to Faleolo International Airport. The Ministry of Police took over. It became a vehicle inspection site and testing range. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as a testing site for law enforcement officers.
Yet, the story continues. In August 2022, there was talk of reopening Fagali’i Airport for flights to American Samoa. The government even considered a replacement location.
Today, Fagali’i Airport stands as a testament to Samoa’s aviation history. It reflects the dreams and challenges of connecting islands and people. Though currently disused, its story is far from over. The echoes of planes linger. The spirit of innovation and connection endures at Fagali’i Airport.