A Fijian opposition MP says the dispute between Fiji Airports and its air traffic controllers must be resolved by the government.
Air Niugini and Fiji Airways parked at Nadi International Airport in Fiji Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
The comments came as an illegal strike by more than 30 controllers enters its seventh day, over disputed pay conditions.
Fiji Airports, which manages both of the country's international airports, said on Friday some controllers had returned to work.
Viliame Gavoka, the SODELPA shadow minister for civil aviation, said the impasse had gone on for too long.
He said reduced staff levels are putting Fiji's airports at high risk.
"I am extremely disappointed that, as usual Government is insisting on having its own way, but it's very late in the day for Government to set pre-conditions rather than facilitating dialogue between [Fiji Airports] and the air traffic controllers," he Mr Gavoka said in a statement.
"We want our controllers back at their stations urgently."
He said that the flying schools have closed for over a week as the skeleton staff at the control tower cannot cope, costing schools, parents and trainees dearly.