Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka said government remains committed to supporting Fiji Airways’ Hong Kong route, which currently operates three direct return services per week between Nadi and Hong Kong.
He told Parliament today that this frequency reflects a strategic response to steadily growing demand, with the route previously operating five times weekly before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are building up to that frequency,” Mr Gavoka stated.
While acknowledging the potential for direct services to major mainland Chinese cities like Shanghai, Me Gavoka expressed caution about rapid expansion.
He cited examples from comparable markets where sudden increases in capacity led to market imbalances, posing challenges for smaller carriers like Fiji Airways.
“Although Shanghai is considered the preferred gateway, we remain cautious of potential market share erosion,” he said.
DPM Gavoka added government is meticulously assessing the feasibility of new long-haul routes to ensure long-term sustainability, particularly in light of the competitive landscape dominated by larger carriers with extensive networks and greater economies of scale.
He highlighted that any expansion would prioritise stable and scalable outcomes for Fiji Airways.
As an alternative to immediate direct services to mainland China, the government is exploring codeshare arrangements with Chinese carriers.
“This approach aligns with global aviation trends, where codesharing optimizes network reach and passenger convenience without the immediate cost of opening new direct routes.”