Japan's govt expands investment in Tonga’s key airport after multi-million-dollar upgrade

A US$6 million (NZ$10m) grant from Japan is helping Tonga modernise its border security and travel systems, including the introduction of electronic machine-readable passports (e-passports).

The agreement was formalised on Thursday by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister and Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Japan’s ambassador to Tonga, Inagaki Hisao.

Hisao says the introduction of the e-passport system is a significant step towards achieving goals outlined in the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) declaration.

He says the system will provide citizens with faster and more efficient access to government services and will allow the Tongan government to manage data with high security standards in line with international norms.

“This not only mitigates the risk of identity fraud but also enhances the overall governance and transparency of immigration processes,” Hisao says.

The announcement follows a major upgrade to Tonga’s main airport in Fua’amotu also sponsored by Japan.

The initial request for the upgrade was made by Tonga in 2022 and following a detailed study by Japan. A grant aid of US$17.7m (NZ$29.8m) was approved in August for the upgrade of Fua’amotu International Airport in Tongatapu.

The upgrade includes expanding and renovating the passenger terminal building, installing a passenger boarding air-bridge and elevator, and constructing a covered shelter in front of the terminal.

Additionally, the International Apron will be expanded to ensure flights can continue operating, even in the event of an aircraft breakdown.

Japan’s ambassador to Tonga, Inagaki Hisao (left) and Chief of Mission and Subregional Coordinator for the IOM in the South Pacific, Solomon Kantha (right). Photo/Supplied

Japan previously funded the construction of the airport terminal 35 years ago.

The two countries have maintained bilateral relationships since 1970, with Japan being Tonga’s leading donor of technical aid.

According to Tonga Statistics, the number of arrivals recently matched pre-Covid levels, with over 125,000 visitors recorded in 2024.

Arrivals peaked in 2019 at just over 136,000, but plunged to 1903 in 2021 due to the pandemic.

The e-passport project will be executed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in close coordination with relevant authorities such as Tonga’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Fua'amotu International Airport. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

The IOM is part of the United Nations System and stands as the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration.

Chief of Mission and Subregional Coordinator for the IOM in the South Pacific, Solomon Kantha says the project will equip front line officers with the tools, skills and standard operating procedures they need to make better decisions at the border.

“This is a smart investment in the country’s connectivity and competitiveness in an increasingly digital world,” Kantha says.

Watch the Hercules C-130 arrive at Fua'amotu Airport below.

Japan and the IOM have also signed an agreement to help Palau introduce e-passports.

A grant aid of $US4.4m (NZ$7.5m) has been given for the project which includes the revision of Palau’s Immigration Control Act to enable e-passport use, training border and immigration officials in identity management, and installing the necessary e-passport issuing equipment.

Palau and Tonga join Fiji and Vanuatu who are two of the few countries in the region to issue e-passports.