Fiji Airports has received the 2026 Green Airports Recognition Platinum Award for its Wailoaloa Mangrove Restoration Project at Nadi International Airport, highlighting growing regional focus on climate adaptation and environmental resilience in the aviation sector.
The award was presented during the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand. Mesake Nawari accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.
The Green Airports Recognition programme, organised by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East, recognises airports implementing climate change adaptation initiatives across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The 2026 awards attracted 33 submissions and marked the programme’s 10th edition.
Nadi International Airport received the Platinum Award in the category for airports handling fewer than five million passengers annually. Other winners included airports in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, India and Saudi Arabia.
According to Fiji Airports, the Wailoaloa Mangrove Restoration Project was launched to help protect coastlines surrounding the airport while supporting biodiversity, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The initiative brought together Fiji Airports staff, families, volunteers, community members and partner organisations in mang
rove planting activities around Wailoaloa.
Nawari said the project demonstrated how community-led environmental initiatives could contribute to long-term coastal protection and climate adaptation efforts.
The award comes as airports across the Asia-Pacific region increasingly invest in infrastructure and environmental measures designed to address climate risks including flooding, storm surges, extreme weather and water scarcity.
