Lithium Battery Fires on Flights? Fiji Pilot Urges Stricter Regulations

Fiji Airways Captain Josua Cavalevu has raised concerns about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries carried by passengers. Speaking at a recent Civil Aviation Bill 2026 consultations committee in Nadi, he highlighted that a fire in the cargo compartment remains one of his biggest fears as a pilot. The presence of lithium-ion batteries, especially in power banks, poses a significant emergency risk for airlines, including Fiji Airways.

Cavalevu urged the committee to consider enhancing regulations surrounding the carriage of these batteries. He detailed that, when necessary, the airline transfers bags from the cabin to cargo compartments, ensuring that lithium-ion batteries remain in the cabin where they are deemed safer. He emphasized that the fire suppression systems available on their aircraft are insufficient for addressing potential fires caused by these batteries in the cargo hold.

The captain also pointed out that, unlike New Zealand, Fiji lacks the ability to confiscate batteries deemed dangerous, suggesting that this is a critical gap requiring attention. He shared a personal experience from a recent flight where he opted to off-load a lithium-ion battery to mitigate risk, illustrating the importance of having robust regulations in place for managing dangerous goods.

In response to these concerns, Rigamoto Aisake, the acting CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, assured that screening processes are in place for passengers before boarding. He mentioned that passengers are asked a series of questions to establish what items they are carrying, and that screening should effectively detect dangerous goods including lithium-ion batteries.

This proactive stance from both airline personnel and regulatory bodies indicates a collective effort to address the inherent risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in air travel and may lead to strengthened safety measures in the future. As aviation authorities like CAAF continue to evaluate and update regulations, passenger safety remains a top priority.