FIJI Airways’ fuel bill increased by $130 million in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, with the airline warning the additional cost could reach up to $300m for the full year.
Fiji Airways chief executive officer Paul Scurrah said the sharp increase in fuel costs was making trading conditions difficult for airlines worldwide.
Mr Scurrah attributed the increase to the conflict in the Middle East, describing it as the worst fuel shock in 50 years.
“The higher fuel costs has prompted many airlines to reduce the amount of flying they operated,” he said.
However, he said Fiji Airways had chosen to maintain its overall level of flying while making changes to its network.
“Whilst most of the industry is retreating, we are doing the opposite.”
Mr Scurrah said the airline had withdrawn from some routes while introducing additional services elsewhere to create more opportunities to improve performance and increase passenger numbers.
He highlighted the airline’s Gold Coast service, saying its first three months had recorded the highest load factor for a newly launched Fiji Airways route in Australia.
“The service added about 53,000 seats a year to the airline’s network between Fiji and the Gold Coast.”
Mr Scurrah also said Fiji Airways was expanding its services to Hong Kong, increasing flights to four times a week from September 22 and to five times a week by early 2027.
He said the airline was also strengthening connectivity between Fiji and Canada through its Vancouver service.
