Four Boeing 737 aircraft were grounded last year as bird strikes continue to pose major safety and financial challenges for Fiji Airways — costing the national carrier an estimated FJD$19.2 million.

Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, revealed that a single turbine blade damage incident in January this year alone cost $4.8 million, underscoring the heavy financial burden that wildlife hazards place on airline operations.

This follows a recent incident involving Fiji Airways Flight FJ450, which struck a flock of pigeons during takeoff from Christchurch on October 9. The aircraft sustained damage to its nose, fuselage, wings, and engines, with six dead pigeons recovered from the runway. The flight crew safely returned to Christchurch Airport with no injuries reported.

Hon. Gavoka emphasized that bird strikes pose significant risks to flight safety, aircraft integrity, and operational efficiency. He cited the tragic case of Jeju Air Flight 2216 in December 2024, where a bird strike caused dual engine failure, leading to 179 fatalities.

He explained that birds are often attracted to airports due to food, water, and shelter sources — such as open drains, waste disposal areas, rubbish dumps, and fruit trees near airport boundaries.

To tackle this growing concern, Cabinet has endorsed the establishment of the National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee for Aviation, led by Fiji Airports. The committee will work alongside government agencies, aviation authorities, environmental bodies, and local communities to develop and implement a comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan aimed at reducing bird strike risks.

SODELPA commends Hon. Viliame Gavoka for his continued leadership and commitment to ensuring aviation safety, economic resilience, and sustainable environmental management across Fiji.