Agency Report
Grass-skirted traditional dancers welcomed elated holidaymakers back to Fiji Wednesday, as the South Pacific nation opened its borders to international travellers for the first time since the pandemic began.
Fiji Airways flight FJ914 from Sydney touched down at Nadi airport at 11.40am (2340 Tuesday GMT), ending 615 days of international isolation for the tourism-dependent economy.
As the plane taxied down the runway, two fire engines lined up and aimed their hoses in the air to honour it with a water salute.
Face coverings obscured the beaming smiles as travellers, some carrying surfboards, made their way through the terminal but cries of “bula” (hello) and Indigenous songs of celebration reverberated around the building.
