FIJI Airways’ Hong Kong service will remain a key priority as Government moves carefully on a potential new direct route to Shanghai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has told Parliament.
He said Fiji Airways operates three direct return flights a week between Nadi and Hong Kong, down from five before COVID-19, and the goal was to gradually build back to that frequency.
“Fiji Airways remains deeply committed to its role as a national brand ambassador, carefully balancing enhancement of connectivity with the broader goals of sustainable tourism development, while recognising Fiji’s infrastructure constraints, such as limited airport and hotel capacities,” he said.
Mr Gavoka said the Coalition Government was taking a “measured and strategic approach” to route development, ensuring growth was backed by infrastructure to maintain service quality and visitor experience.
While Shanghai is the preferred Chinese gateway, he said Fiji must avoid “market share erosion” and the risks of competing head-on with major Chinese carriers.
“We are a small airline, the most successful in this part of the world, a national treasure and an asset, one that we do not want to lose.
“Mixing it with the big boys … will lead to some really major challenges for our national airline.”
He confirmed discussions with China on activating the existing Air Services Agreement and had sought “exclusive rights for a number of years” to help Fiji Airways establish itself before larger airlines entered.
Code-share agreements with Chinese carriers were also under consideration to expand reach without the costs of launching new direct services.
“In the meantime, Hong Kong is being strengthened … and we are slowly building up to that,” Mr Gavoka said.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated August 18, 2025