DEPUTY Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says the government will begin discouraging farming around airports across the country to reduce the risk of bird-strike incidents.
The announcement comes after a bird-strike on October 9, 2025 involving a Fiji Airways Boeing 737–800 departing from Christchurch Airport to Nadi forced the flight to make an emergency landing.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft passed through a substantial flock of birds, striking multiple birds on its nose section and right-hand engine.
The crew halted the climb at around 6000ft, entered a holding pattern for nearly two hours to burn off fuel and then returned safely to Christchurch.
After landing, the aircraft was found to have a dented nose and traces of bird remains and blood on the engine, but no injuries were reported among the more than 170 passengers and crew.
“Birds populate areas around the airport where you have farms,” Mr Gavoka said.
“Going forward, we’re going to try and discourage people from planting fruits around the airport area. Clean up all the areas where birds go to.”
He said bird-strikes were a global phenomenon but stressed that pilots and airport authorities were trained to handle such incidents.
“If you know, the pilots know when the birds appear. They’ve developed it into an art now. The challenge is there, but the people who look after this are really on top of this.
“It’s manageable. But going forward, we’ll discourage people not to plant around the airport area, especially fruits.”
Mr Gavoka added that authorities will coordinate with local communities near airports to reduce bird habitats and minimize risks for both aviation and local agriculture.
