Fiji’s Civil Aviation Minister, Viliame Gavoka, announced in Parliament the upcoming overhaul of the nation’s aviation legislation, which has not been significantly updated in decades. The existing laws, some nearly fifty years old, face criticism for creating gaps that need urgent attention.
Gavoka pointed out that the Civil Aviation Act is 49 years old, the Civil Aviation Authority Act is 46, and the Reform Act is 26, underscoring the pressing need for modernization. He revealed plans for a new Civil Aviation Bill designed to consolidate these outdated statutes into one comprehensive piece of legislation.
This legislative reform aims to enhance aviation safety and ensure economic regulation aligns with international standards, especially in light of a 2019 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that highlighted inadequacies in Fiji’s aviation laws. “Consolidating three Acts into one will remove duplication, strengthen clarity, and better align Fiji’s civil aviation system with international best practices,” Gavoka stated.
The new bill will facilitate the harmonization of Fiji’s regulations with New Zealand’s aviation rules, recognized globally as a robust regulatory model. In crafting the new legislation, a comparative analysis was conducted using civil aviation laws from New Zealand, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea, incorporating the best provisions adapted to Fiji’s specific context.
Currently, the draft Civil Aviation Bill 2026 is in the public consultation phase. Gavoka emphasized that this reform is critically overdue and essential for positioning Fiji for enhanced safety, stronger regulatory oversight, and a civil aviation system that keeps pace with international developments. This modernization reflects Fiji’s commitment to securing safer skies for the future.