Fiji’s Civil Aviation Minister, Viliame Gavoka, recently announced significant plans to modernize the nation’s aviation legislation, which has not seen substantial updates in decades. The existing laws are quite outdated, with the Civil Aviation Act being 49 years old, the Civil Aviation Authority Act at 46, and the Reform Act at 26 years. This situation has raised concerns over existing gaps that require immediate attention.
Gavoka introduced a proposal for a new Civil Aviation Bill, intended to merge these outdated statutes into a single comprehensive piece of legislation. This reform is aimed at enhancing aviation safety, streamlining regulations, and ensuring that Fiji’s framework aligns with international standards. The need for reform was underscored by a 2019 audit from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which pointed out deficiencies in Fiji’s aviation laws.
“The consolidation of three Acts into one will eliminate duplications, enhance clarity, and align Fiji’s civil aviation system with international best practices,” Gavoka remarked during the parliamentary discussion. This overhaul includes plans to harmonize Fiji’s aviation regulations with those of New Zealand, which are recognized worldwide for their robustness.
In developing the new legislation, a comparative analysis was applied, reviewing civil aviation laws from countries such as New Zealand, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea to incorporate their best practices tailored to the specific needs of Fiji.
Currently, the draft Civil Aviation Bill 2026 is open for public consultation, a step that emphasizes the government’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with stakeholders in enhancing the aviation sector. Gavoka stressed that this legislative reform is not only overdue but vital for improving safety standards, regulatory oversight, and adapting Fiji’s civil aviation infrastructure to match global benchmarks. This modernization initiative signifies Fiji’s dedication to ensuring safer skies and a brighter future for its aviation industry.