Fiji’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Viliame Gavoka, announced that the government has made a significant decision to review the country’s aviation policy. During his address at the Fiji Tourism Convention 2024 held in Nadi last week, he shared that the government is now considering an open skies policy on a case-by-case basis.
“For many years, Fiji did not support an open skies policy due to the limited air traffic and extended routes in the South Pacific,” Mr. Gavoka stated. “However, we find ourselves in a more advantageous position now, ready to progress further.”
He highlighted that the Fiji government is aware of the changing dynamics in aviation and the global move toward liberalizing air traffic rights. This prompted the review of Fiji’s Aviation Policy, which is taking shape gradually while keeping national interests in mind. The anticipated benefits are already apparent, he noted, particularly with the upcoming Dallas direct flight planned for the end of this year.
“This initiative not only opens opportunities for attracting new visitors from the United States but also enhances our connections to Europe, which ultimately benefits everyone,” he added.
In April, the Cabinet approved the review of the National Aviation Policy to facilitate open skies on a selective basis, following a proposal from Fiji Airways’ CEO, Andre Viljoen. Mr. Gavoka, who previously opposed the concept of open skies, reaffirmed in a parliamentary statement in May that it had not been properly tested.
Fiji Airways is set to launch its Nadi-Dallas route in December.