Fiji Link at Savusavu Airport, Fiji. Photo / Shandelle Battersby
Shandelle Battersby flies aboard Fiji Link FJ109 from Nadi to Savusavu, Fiji.
The plane: A de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, one of Fiji Airways' smaller planes that services its domestic routes. This one was going from the mainland to the small Vanua Levu township of Savusavu.
Flight time: One hour and 10 minutes.
On time? On Fiji time - sega na lega ("no worries").
The price: About $240 one way.
My seat: 5a, one of 19, which was in a row by itself on the left-hand side of the aircraft. Things were tight - I'm not a tall person but I had to swing my legs to the side to spread out a bit. The co-pilot got us on board then shut the door and made his way (hunching) to the open cockpit. No stewards on here.
Other passengers: Considering we were weighed - handbags and all - on the baggage scales at the check-in counter, it was alarming that an American family disregarded their seat numbers and sat where they liked. It was politely pointed out by a member of our group that we were weighed for a reason and allocated specific seats so the plane would be balanced.
The airport experience: Nadi Domestic Airport is very basic. Walking across the tarmac to get on the plane was as hot as Hades, and the plane's rudimentary cooling system (i.e. blowers) didn't kick in until we were well in the air. Top tip: Take some water and dress light. At the other end, Savusavu Airport is basically a shed in a paddock, with tethered cattle, a few local women selling handicrafts and a vending machine.
The landing: The best/worst bit. My life actually flashed before my eyes. Taking off, I'd noticed both pilots had a hand on the throttle, and it was all hands on deck for landing too. The descent was sharp and fast, and as we got closer to the ground the plane started swinging around like a monkey on a vine. Landing in Wellington during a strong southerly has nothing on this place. We all breathed sighs of relief when the jet came to a stop outside the arrivals/departure shack. It was brilliant.
Other passengers: All tourists, busy snapping the coral reefs and pretty islands below from the tiny windows - Fiji is rather lovely from the air.
Food and drink: Strictly BYO.
Would I fly this again? Unless you have time to get the overnight car ferry from the mainland this is your only option to get to Savusavu, so yes I would for sure. If you're not a great flyer, be prepared for a bumpy, hot ride and a potentially hair-raising landing that you'll never forget.
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