Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka announced that the Fijian Government has taken a significant step in reevaluating the country’s aviation policy. Speaking at the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024 in Nadi last week, Gavoka mentioned that the Government is now open to the idea of implementing open skies arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
“For many years, Fiji did not endorse an open skies policy due to the limited air traffic and long, sparse routes in the South Pacific,” Gavoka explained. “However, our situation has changed. We are now in a better position and ready to progress.”
The minister emphasized the changing dynamics in aviation and recognized the global trend towards the liberalization of air traffic rights. He noted, “We are taking bold steps in reassessing Fiji’s Aviation Policy. Open skies will be considered on an individual basis, ensuring that national interests are upheld. We are already witnessing positive outcomes, such as the direct flight from Dallas scheduled for the end of this year.”
According to Gavoka, this development not only attracts new visitors from the United States but also facilitates access to and from Europe, benefitting the entire region.
In April, the Cabinet approved the revision of the National Aviation Policy to support open skies, contingent on specific circumstances, following a presentation by Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen. In a previous parliamentary statement in May, Gavoka, who had opposed open skies earlier, acknowledged that the concept had not yet been fully tested in Fiji.
Fiji Airways is set to launch its Nadi-Dallas route in December, marking a new chapter in the country’s aviation strategy.