Discussions at the recent consultations for the proposed Civil Aviation Bill 2026 in Nadi highlighted the critical need to address the carriage of drugs and firearms as dangerous goods in aviation. Komal Raj, a legal officer from Airports Fiji Ltd, emphasized the importance of enhancing safety measures in aircraft, pointing out the ongoing parliamentary discussions regarding the challenges posed by illegal drugs on flights.
“We understand that dangerous goods could be anything that is a danger in the aircraft and the safety of the people,” Raj noted, stressing the government’s increasing emphasis on the security of air travel. She called for measures that include thorough checks for drugs and weapons, in alignment with the government’s commitment to tackling these pressing issues.
However, Sereima Bolanavatu, the executive manager of Standards & Compliance at the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, clarified that under the proposed Bill, the definition of dangerous goods is based on regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Bolanavatu stated that the current definitions do not categorize drugs in this way, referencing ICAO’s Annex 18 concerning the safe transportation of dangerous goods.
In response to these discussions, Airports Fiji Ltd CEO Mesake Nawari sought clarity on whether drug issues could be incorporated into other aspects of the Act, citing the real concern it poses within the aviation context. Acting CEO Rigamoto Aisake mentioned that while the provisions for drugs do exist, they are classified under Annex 9, which focuses on facilitation measures.
The ongoing conversations reflect a growing recognition of the importance of addressing security concerns in aviation, paving the way for potential legislative amendments that could strengthen air travel safety in the region. As dialogues continue, there is hope for developing more comprehensive frameworks that can adapt to the evolving landscape of aviation security challenges.
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