Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka has informed Parliament that the ongoing investigation into how a live bullet casing found its way inside a Fiji Airways aircraft is still inconclusive. The casing was discovered on April 7, 2025, in an overhead compartment on flight FJ910, which had just arrived in Nadi from Sydney and was set to continue its journey to Los Angeles. Security staff found the item during a routine pre-departure check.
Despite thorough investigations involving Fiji Airways and overseas station managers from Dallas and Sydney, the origin of the bullet casing remains unknown. The Minister pointed out that overhead compartments are shared spaces, making it challenging to identify who might have placed the item there. Authorities have scrutinized passenger data, flight movements, and handling procedures throughout the aircraft’s international routes, but no definitive explanation has emerged.
“This is a concern, but it’s also a reassurance that our security systems worked,” Minister Gavoka stated. In response to the incident, both the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and Fiji Airways have implemented enhanced quality control measures to strengthen security protocols.
This incident is part of a broader concern regarding aviation security in Fiji, where previous occurrences, such as the discovery of bullets on flights from Tonga, have prompted increased scrutiny of security procedures. These findings highlight the necessity for heightened vigilance and community cooperation to ensure safety in air travel.
As investigations continue, there is hope that the scrutiny of security protocols will lead to improved measures and a safer travel experience for all passengers. The commitment from authorities reflects a unified approach to bolster aviation safety across the region, ensuring that potential gaps are addressed and that public confidence in air travel is maintained.
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