Conflicts arising from board appointments to Fiji Airports and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) are posing challenges, according to Mesake Nawari, the CEO of Fiji Airports Ltd. Speaking at a public consultation regarding the proposed Civil Aviation Bill 2026 in Nadi, Nawari highlighted concerns that recent appointments on both boards may lead to perceived conflicts due to close relationships among members.
He emphasized the need for legislative frameworks to effectively manage these potential conflicts at governance levels. In addition, Nawari voiced an opinion on the issue of departure tax, suggesting that decisions about it should be made by industry stakeholders rather than being dictated by the Ministry of Finance. He argued that an analysis rooted in industry insights is essential, noting that the departure tax burdens the industry that significantly contributes to the economy. The sudden announcement of a decrease in the departure tax during budget discussions raised further questions regarding the decision-making process behind such fiscal measures.
During the consultation, Nawari also expressed concerns over the proposed removal of Fiji Airports from sections 56 and 57 of the Civil Aviation Bill 2026, which relate to Air Navigation Services. He pointed out that Fiji Airports is wholly government-owned and stressed the importance of its inclusion in the legislative language, given the significant investments made over the years and the transformative work currently underway. In a response from CAAF lawyer Florence Takinana, she clarified that the removal is intended to allow for flexibility in designating any entity to provide these services in the future, although the ultimate decision rests with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The public consultations mark an important step in reforming Fiji’s civil aviation legislation and addressing the concerns highlighted by industry leaders like Nawari. Such discussions hold the potential to shape a more coherent and inclusive aviation sector that can better serve the interests of the country and its economy.
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