Faiyaz Koya, an Opposition Member of Parliament in Fiji, recently urged developers in and around airport areas to be cautious of the regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). His remarks were made during a parliamentary session in support of comments made by Viliame Gavoka, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation. Gavoka had highlighted factors such as open drains, stagnant water, waste disposal sites, and fruit trees near airports that attract birds, increasing the risk of bird strikes during aircraft operations.
Koya emphasized the need for developers to fully comply with these restrictions, cautioning against any disregard for the rules. “You cannot flaunt it or flout it, and CAAF will come down very hard on those that do because birds, especially, are attracted to waste areas and fruit trees,” Koya stated. He stressed the importance of maintaining aviation safety as Fiji’s tourism sector flourishes, noting that the nation aims to avoid any bird strike incidents among the millions of flights that operate each year.
This call to action comes amid rising concerns about bird strikes at Fiji’s airports, which have seen an increase from 24 incidents in 2022 to 41 reported in 2024. Earlier, Minister Gavoka underscored the serious nature of this issue, citing both local and foreign bird species involved in several reported strikes, which raised alarms about aviation safety worldwide.
The Fijian government is responding to this escalating situation by implementing enhanced bird hazard management strategies. These measures include habitat management around airports and initiatives aimed at educating communities about wildlife behaviors that contribute to aviation risks. By working collaboratively with stakeholders and local communities, the government aims to ensure a safer environment for both aviation operations and surrounding areas.
With Fiji’s growing reputation as a desirable travel destination, authorities are hopeful that these efforts will not only improve aviation safety but also bolster public confidence in the country’s tourism sector, paving the way for continued growth and prosperity.
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