A meeting between Samoa Airport Authority and the Samoa Airways Board was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, where the S.A.A. planned to submit its report on safety requirements for Fagalii Airport.

The report outlined the authority's response to issues and requirements, which were raised by the airline on the safety of the recently commissioned airport, to enable the safe operation of flights between American Samoa and Samoa.

Samoa Airways interim C.E.O. Fauo'o Fatu Tielu told Samoa Observer in an interview on Wednesday that they are expecting answers from the S.A.A. regarding issues the airline raised with them.

"We’re having a meeting this afternoon [Wednesday] to discuss it then we’ll know from there what the current situation is," he said.

Asked if the operation of the flights will be expected any time soon, Fauo'o said it depends on the report that will be submitted by the authority.

"It will depend on our meeting this afternoon and only then we can be able to understand what the situation is with the issues that we raised," he said. "That’s why we’re meeting this afternoon with the Airport Authority."

Aviation officials, speaking to the newspaper on the condition of anonymity, said that there will be no passenger operations for the Fagalii Airport until the national airline's requirements are satisfied and the airport work is completed.

Late last week the former prime minister and veteran politician, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, claimed Fagalii Airport was "too short and dangerous" and not suitable for small planes.  

"It was closed a few years ago following technical reports that the airport was too short, dangerous and unsuitable for the more modern small planes with greater speed capacity," the veteran politician said. "Even our small airport at Maota in Savaii is longer!

However, the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai on Monday this week refuted the claims of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) leader saying that the airport is operationally safe.  

He said Fagalii Airport has met all safety requirements and is ready for operation and assured the public that the airport is safe to operate.

“Prior to its reopening, the MWTI [Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure] and S.A.A. worked hand in hand in the first phase of rehabilitation to ensure we have implemented all the necessary safety measures and they will continue to do so to ensure the aerodrome achieves the highest standard of safety for both airlines and the people who will be coming through Fagalii," he said.