Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka announced that the Government has taken a significant step by reviewing Fiji’s aviation policy. Speaking at the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024 in Nadi last week, he stated that the Government is now evaluating the possibility of adopting an open skies policy on a case-by-case basis.
Mr. Gavoka mentioned that for many years, Fiji has not embraced an open skies policy due to the marginal air traffic and long, sparse routes in the South Pacific. However, he emphasized that the current situation has changed, and Fiji is well-positioned to advance in this area.
The Government acknowledges the shifting dynamics in aviation and the global trend towards the liberalization of air traffic rights, prompting the thorough review of Fiji’s Aviation Policy. He noted that the Government is now gradually considering open skies policies, prioritizing national interests. The upcoming direct flight from Dallas scheduled for the end of this year is a clear example of the benefits of this approach.
This new flight route not only aims to attract more visitors from the United States but also enhances connections to Europe, yielding advantages for the broader community. In April, the Cabinet approved the revision of the National Aviation Policy to permit open skies on a selective basis after a presentation from Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen.
In a ministerial statement made in Parliament in May, Mr. Gavoka, who had previously been against the open skies concept, argued that it had not been adequately tested before this initiative. Fiji Airways is set to commence its Nadi-Dallas route in December.