In the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu's Funafuti International Airport serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure for the island nation. It is not just an airport but also a road, football field, playground, and picnic spot.
"When flights are cancelled, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a national disruption," said Tuvalu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Panapasi Nelesoni. He highlighted the importance of the airport in ensuring medical appointments, education travel, and supply delivery.
Satoshi Ogita from the World Bank described Funafuti Airport as unique because it is part of daily life for locals. Built during World War II and last resurfaced in 1994, by 2012 the runway showed significant wear. The World Bank's Tuvalu Aviation Investment Program aimed to address these issues.
The project faced challenges when unexpected underground pressure pockets caused blisters on the runway surface after rehabilitation efforts in 2014. By engaging with experts from the University of Auckland and other global consultants, a new solution was developed using open-graded porous asphalt.
By February 2025, this innovative material was successfully applied to the entire runway. Since then, flights have been more reliable with smoother landings even during extreme weather conditions.
"This isn’t just an engineering win," stated Ogita. The successful completion of this project reflects long-term commitment and collaboration between local leadership and international partners.