Fiji Endorses Open Skies Policy to Expand Air Travel and Economic Growth

The Fijian government has officially decided to adopt an open skies policy, a significant shift announced following a cabinet meeting on April 9 in Suva. This strategic move is part of an effort to enhance Fiji’s National Aviation Policy and is expected to bolster economic, strategic, and operational growth in the aviation sector. Approval of new routes and services will be handled on a case-by-case basis, taking into account various pertinent factors.

During the cabinet meeting, Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen presented insights, aligning with the policy’s objectives to expand the airline’s network and operational flexibility. ch-aviation, having viewed the minutes of the meeting, has reached out to Fiji Airways for additional commentary on this development.

As part of this policy, the Fijian cabinet has also green-lighted the start of negotiations with the United States to establish a more comprehensive open skies agreement. This would potentially allow Fiji Airways to introduce direct flights to new US destinations and operate services via the US to third countries. Currently, Fiji Airways operates scheduled flights from Nadi to Honolulu, Los Angeles International, and San Francisco, maintaining a monopoly on these routes.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation noted that Fiji has signed 28 bilateral air service agreements, including with the US. The existing agreement with the US, dating back to 1979 and amended in 1996, already permits Fijian carriers to operate routes via several intermediate points to multiple destinations, including Vancouver, Guam, and Papeete.

This policy shift is poised to open up new opportunities for Fiji’s tourism and aviation industries, enhancing connectivity and potentially increasing visitor numbers, which are vital for the island nation’s economy.