Fiji closes for tourism as state of emergency declared
The Fijian government and airports authority stopped incoming passengers at the weekend after flash floods called for a state of emergency.
International flights were arriving empty to take stranded visitors out of the country as thousands of holidaymakers, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, waited to leave.
Floods brought the country to a standstill claiming at least three lives and forcing 8,000 people into evacuation centres.
Water and power supplies cut in most areas and many roads closed, as the country prepared for what could turn into a cyclone.
The government and Airports Fiji Limited requested that no additional passengers be flown into Fiji on Saturday or Sunday as a result of concerns regarding additional bad weather, difficulty with getting from Nadi International Airport to local resorts and hotels, and local hotel availability.
"This action is being reluctantly taken by the Fijian Government to ensure the safety and convenience of international visitors and Fijian citizens seeking to return to Fiji", said Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation & Tourism.
It added that Nadi International airport remains open and all outbound international flights from Fiji are expected to operate to get passengers to their overseas destinations.
By Diane Evans
Diane
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