We arrived on a Twin Otter - the smaller Islander planes are not allowed to land here as there can be strong winds, according to our captain. The airport is a small concrete building that actually has a check-in counter.
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We started our journey in the dark at 5:30 am - we weren't the first plane to leave Suva airport - an earlier one left at 5:00 am for Nadi. As the sun rose we could see many small islands like Batiki and Nairai. Then we crossed the Koro Sea and saw Vatu Vara and Nukutolu and Kanacea. There were many coral reefs. |
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We then saw Vanua Balavu a long, almost S-shaped island with islets off its coast. Eight smaller islands and Vanua Balavu are enclosed by a reef. Vanua Balavu is a volcanic island in the south, with limestone in the north. |
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On approaching the runway there are coconut palms with mangroves near the sea. The runway is an uphill grass strip. |