Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka told Parliament yesterday that Fiji’s key aviation laws—some nearly half a century old—will soon be replaced by a single, modern piece of legislation designed to bring the country’s civil aviation system up to international standards.
Gavoka noted that the Civil Aviation Act is now 49 years old, the Civil Aviation Authority Act is 46 years old, and the Reform Act is 26 years old, saying the age of these laws has created gaps that urgently need addressing.
“This work will culminate in a new Civil Aviation Bill, which will repeal and replace the existing Acts with a single modern piece of legislation,” Gavoka said.
“The new bill is designed to provide a comprehensive legal framework for public aviation safety and economic regulation, ensuring our civil aviation system is equipped to meet current and emerging sector demands.”
He told Parliament that the drafting of the new bill is a direct response to the 2019 ICAO audit, which identified significant shortcomings in Fiji’s outdated aviation laws.
“Consolidating three Acts into one will remove duplication, strengthen clarity, and better align Fiji’s civil aviation system with international best practice,” he explained.
The bill will also allow for the harmonisation of subsidiary regulations, aligning Fiji’s rules with New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Rules—an internationally recognised regulatory model.
“To ensure the bill is robust and fit for purpose, a comparative analysis was undertaken using the civil aviation legislation of New Zealand, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea. The most relevant and effective provisions have been incorporated and adapted to Fiji’s legal and operational context,” Gavoka said.
The draft Civil Aviation Bill 2026 is now in its public consultation phase
“This reform is long overdue, but it is essential. The new bill will position Fiji for safer skies, stronger oversight, and a regulatory system that keeps pace with international standards and future developments in aviation,” he said.
