12th July 2019 TONGAN The obstacle limitation study of the Kaufana Airport in Eua is set to commence this week. The study involves a survey, which will take two days to complete, will focus on the immediate surroundings of the airport runway. The study is undertaken by BECA, a New Zealand-based international company, which has undertaken similar studies in other domestic airports in Tonga. The Kaufana Airport is the only remaining airport to be covered by the obstacle limitation study.
The study will identify obstacles along the flight path of aircraft and recommend the appropriate actions to be undertaken including removal of the obstacles. It will define the airspace around the Kaufana Airport ensuring it is free of obstacles so as to permit the intended aircraft operations at Kaufana Airport to be conducted safely. There is also the need to ensure, through the study and implementation of its recommendations, that the area within the Approach and the Take-off surface at Kaufana Airport, ‘Eua, meets the ICAO safety and security standards and that the obstacles are continuously and constantly well monitored and controlled.
BECA will submit a report on the study which will be the basis for action by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Tonga Airport Limited to monitor, control or remove the obstacles from the flight paths, especially for landing and take-off.
This is part of the actions taken by the Ministry of Infrastructure in ensuring safety and security in air, sea and land transportation in Tonga.
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure