The Fijian government is taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of bird-strike incidents near airports nationwide, as part of a new initiative announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka. This decision follows a bird-strike incident involving a Fiji Airways Boeing 737-800 that occurred on October 9, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Christchurch Airport, resulting in an emergency landing. Thankfully, all 170 passengers and crew members on board were unharmed, although the aircraft did incur significant damage due to multiple bird impacts.
Recognizing that agricultural areas adjacent to airports create favorable conditions for birds, Mr. Gavoka stated the government’s intention to discourage planting fruits around airport perimeters. “Going forward, we will discourage people from planting fruits around the airport area to clean up locations where birds frequent,” he explained. Although bird-strikes are a common concern for aviation globally, Gavoka reassured the public that pilots and airport authorities are well-equipped to handle such scenarios. “The challenge is there, but the people who look after this are really on top of this. It’s manageable,” he added.
The government plans to collaborate with local communities near airports to effectively mitigate potential bird habitats and improve safety measures for both aviation and agricultural sectors. Recent statistics point to an alarming increase in bird-strike incidents, with reported cases rising from 24 in 2022 to an anticipated 41 by 2024 around major airport regions.
This initiative not only highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety in Fiji but also supports the nation’s robust tourism industry. By taking this proactive stance on wildlife management, the government aims to ensure safe travel for tourists, thereby bolstering confidence in Fiji as a secure and attractive destination. With these efforts, Fiji strives to maintain its strong reputation in the global tourism market, reinforcing the importance of safety in the travel experience.