Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka addressed Parliament on the urgent need for reform in Fiji’s aviation laws, which have remained largely unchanged for decades. He highlighted that key legislation, including the Civil Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation Authority Act, are 49 and 46 years old respectively, while the Reform Act is 26 years old. This aging legal framework has created significant gaps that necessitate immediate attention.
Gavoka announced plans to introduce a new Civil Aviation Bill that will consolidate the existing acts into a single, modern piece of legislation. This bill aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for public aviation safety and economic regulation, ensuring that Fiji’s civil aviation system meets contemporary and future demands.
The push for this legislative update is a direct response to findings from the 2019 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit, which pointed out major deficiencies in Fiji’s outdated aviation regulations. “By consolidating these three acts, we aim to eliminate redundancies, enhance clarity, and align our civil aviation system with international best practices,” Gavoka explained.
Furthermore, the new bill is intended to harmonize subsidiary regulations, aligning Fiji’s aviation rules with those of New Zealand—known for its robust regulatory model. A comparative analysis was conducted, drawing insights from the civil aviation legislation of New Zealand, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea to ensure that relevant and effective provisions are adapted to Fiji’s context.
The draft Civil Aviation Bill 2026 is currently undergoing public consultation, offering stakeholders an opportunity to contribute to its development. Gavoka emphasized the importance of this reform, stating it is essential for positioning Fiji for “safer skies, stronger oversight, and a regulatory system that keeps pace with international standards and future developments in aviation.”
This initiative marks a significant move towards modernizing Fiji’s aviation sector, aiming to enhance safety and enhance the country’s reputation in international air travel.
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