Fiji is set to overhaul its aviation laws in response to safety concerns highlighted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The government has introduced the Draft Civil Aviation Bill 2026 to address these issues, which were notably raised during ICAO’s Coordinated Validation Mission in 2019.
During the Third Fiji Tourism Convention held in Nadi, Sereima Bolanavatu, the executive manager of compliance at the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, emphasized that the Bill aims to create a modern legal framework that will enhance safety regulations and prepare Fiji for future developments in aviation. Bolanavatu noted that with most tourists arriving by air, the aviation sector is essential to the country’s economic growth and tourism industry.
The proposed legislation will consolidate and repeal three existing laws—the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji Act 1979, the Civil Aviation Reform Act 1999, and the Civil Aviation Act 1976—into a single comprehensive law. This new framework will prioritize aviation safety, while aviation security will still be covered under the Civil Aviation Security Act 1999, in alignment with international protocols.
A significant aspect of the Bill is the establishment of an independent Accident Investigation Commission, which is mandated by ICAO standards. This commission will ensure transparent and credible investigations into air incidents and accidents, fostering greater trust in the aviation sector.
Bolanavatu pointed out that these reforms are crucial in boosting international confidence in Fiji’s aviation industry, thus enhancing airline partnerships and improving market access. The modernization of these laws signals a proactive approach by the Fijian government to strengthen its aviation framework, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic resilience and growth.