The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), is calling on the public and aviation stakeholders to provide input on the draft Civil Aviation Bill 2026. This initiative comes as part of the Ministry’s effort to modernize Fiji’s aviation framework, ensuring that it is both effective and aligned with international standards.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace the outdated Civil Aviation Act of 1976, Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Act of 1979, and Civil Aviation Reform Act of 1999 with a single, comprehensive framework. This new Bill aims to enhance regulatory efficiency and strengthen Fiji’s legal authority in overseeing civil aviation operations.
The Ministry emphasized that public feedback is crucial to ensure the legislation reflects modern aviation practices and serves the needs of the industry and its people. “The Civil Aviation Bill 2026 represents a major step forward in ensuring that Fiji’s aviation system meets global best practices in safety, governance, and compliance,” stated the Ministry.
Support for this legislative overhaul stems from findings from the 2019 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Coordinated Validation Mission, which identified various gaps within Fiji’s aviation law. The audit highlighted the need for clearer legal mandates and updated rule-making powers to bolster the country’s oversight capabilities.
The Bill also reinforces the relevance of the Chicago Convention as a fundamental element of Fiji’s aviation governance, ensuring provisions for safety oversight, efficiency, and accountability remain intact.
As the Ministry embarks on public consultations in the coming weeks, it encourages all stakeholders to engage with the draft proposal and submit their feedback before the deadline. This collaborative approach signifies a hopeful advancement for Fiji’s aviation sector, as it looks to strengthen its international reputation and contribute to the sustainable growth of its economy.Through these efforts, Fiji aims to elevate its position as a reliable aviation hub in the Pacific region, ultimately enhancing safety and accountability within its air travel framework.
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