LAST year, Fiji Airways grounded four Boeing 737 aircraft due to bird strikes, with annual costs estimated at around $19.2million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka told Parliament yesterday these bird strikes carried considerable financial burdens.
“A single turbine blade damage incident in January 2025 incurred costs of $4.8million,” Mr Gavoka said. “These figures reflect the tangible impact on airline operations, maintenance budgets, and passenger services.”
He said in response to the risks posed by bird strikes, Fiji Airports and Fiji Airways had committed to robust and coordinated wildlife hazard management programs.
“Fiji Airports has developed a comprehensive wildlife management plan that incorporates best practices and international standards, and established an airport wildlife committee to oversee monitoring and mitigation activities at Nadi, Nausori, and other airports.
“Personnel including wildlife coordinators, airside safety officers, and airport environment officers are tasked with day-to-day hazard management.
“Key initiatives by Fiji Airports include mapping and mitigating bird attractants within a 5km radius of airports in collaboration with local authorities, launching environmental sustainability campaigns to raise awareness, and advocating for stronger land-use regulations around airports.”
