The Government has expressed confidence in the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), dismissing recent social media commentary as unfounded and potentially damaging to public trust in the aviation regulator.
In a statement issued yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, said such claims lacked evidence and risked creating unnecessary concern.
“Fiji’s aviation safety and international reputation remain paramount and will not be compromised,” Gavoka said.
“CAAF operates strictly under Fijian law and in full alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.”
The Minister reaffirmed that all regulatory decisions are based on evidence and risk assessments, not social media commentary.
He pointed to Fiji’s strong aviation performance and its importance to the tourism industry as a testament to CAAF’s professionalism and control.
“These outcomes reflect the regulator’s professionalism and its commitment to its responsibilities,” Mr Gavoka added.
He also thanked industry stakeholders for their continued support of CAAF’s “firm and fair” approach to safety and security, and echoed the regulator’s guiding principle: “Safe Skies, Secure Fiji.”
The Government invited operators to submit any evidence-based proposals through the proper channels if they could demonstrate equal or higher levels of safety.
“We stand by open dialogue, due process, and transparent outcomes — with aviation safety as the highest priority at all times.”
