Fiji Link twin Otter Runway Excursion at Nadi Under Formal Investigation
The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) has classified the recent Fiji Link twin Otter incident at Nadi International Airport as a runway excursion and has launched a formal investigation through its Air Safety Department.
Early findings indicate the aircraft veered off the runway during landing. CAAF notes that Fiji Link aircraft operating at Nadi remain certified to international safety standards, and any safety recommendations will be issued once the investigation is complete.
CAAF Chief Executive Officer Theresa Levestam stressed that a full causal analysis is underway and it would be premature to comment on a cause. She added that there were no injuries and only minimal damage to the aircraft. The investigation will involve data collection, crew interviews, and technical inspections, with a target completion of about 30 working days, subject to timely access to information and cooperation from involved parties. Any required safety recommendations will be formally issued and monitored by CAAF for implementation and compliance.
Context and analysis
This incident comes amid a series of safety-focused developments in Fiji’s aviation sector, including a December incident at Yasawa Aerodrome involving a GA-8 Airvan (DQ-VAN) that overran the runway. In that case, the minister announced an investigator would examine the event, the runway remained open, and officials emphasized the importance of safety and ongoing monitoring. Those investigations align with the broader goal of enhancing aviation safety through transparent inquiries, timely findings, and actionable recommendations.
What this means for travelers
The overarching message from authorities is continued vigilance and commitment to passenger safety. With investigations underway and safety recommendations possible, the aviation sector in Fiji seems focused on learning from incidents and strengthening procedures without compromising ongoing operations or passenger welfare.
The Nadi incident has been officially labeled a runway excursion, with a formal investigation now underway. No injuries were reported and the aircraft sustained minimal damage. A 30-working-day timeline has been set for the inquiry, during which data collection, interviews, and inspections will guide any future safety recommendations. The episode, while concerning, is part of Fiji’s ongoing emphasis on robust safety investigations and improvements across the aviation sector.
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