Fiji Airways Pursues $1.4 Million Lawsuit Over Israel Charter

Fiji Airways (FJ, Nadi) is moving closer to recovering FJD 3.16 million (USD 1.4 million) in unpaid charter fees after the High Court in Suva struck out defenses from three defendants who repeatedly failed to comply with court orders.

Acting Master Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekara dismissed submissions from WABS Pacific Pte Ltd, Kane Holding Pte Ltd, and Michael Martin Enele Sturtin Mausio on October 17, citing deliberate delays and non-compliance. The defendants ignored two prior court orders issued in June that required the payment of FJD 2,000 (USD 870) in costs and failed to file necessary responses since the case began in March.

“It appears the change of counsel just before every mention day to check on compliance has been deployed as a clear delaying tactic,” Wickramasekara said, as reported by The Fiji Times.

The dispute stems from a September–October 2023 charter flight organized by Fiji Airways to transport 255 Fijian pilgrims to Israel. The group required emergency repatriation following the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. Fiji Airways filed proceedings to recover FJD 3,163,013.70 plus interest and costs and later applied for summary judgment.

The defendants switched lawyers three times, sought five adjournments, and failed to honor a FJD 2,000 cheque issued to the court, leading to additional penalties totaling FJD 6,000 (USD 2,600).

Two other parties—the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem trustees and Christian Mission Fellowship International senior pastor Manasa Tuqani Kolivuso—have complied with court procedures and filed to strike out their involvement in the case.

All submissions are due by November 7, with the next hearing scheduled for December 11. Fiji Airways declined to comment further, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com