Bird strikes are costing Fiji Airways millions of dollars, prompting the government to strengthen aviation safety measures.
In 2024 alone, the airline grounded four aircraft due to bird strikes, with total costs estimated at $19.2 million. A single turbine blade damage incident in January 2025 cost $4.8 million.
Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Viliame Gavoka told Parliament that bird strikes – collisions between birds and aircraft – are a global aviation hazard.
He highlighted the December 2024 Jeju Air crash in South Korea, where a dual engine failure following a bird strike killed 179 people.
Fiji Airways recently experienced a similar, though non-fatal, incident. Flight FJ450, a Boeing 737-800, encountered a flock of pigeons shortly after taking off from Christchurch to Nadi last month. The aircraft sustained damage to its nose, fuselage, wings, and engines, but the crew managed the situation safely and returned to Christchurch without injuries. Six dead pigeons were recovered from the runway.
Gavoka said that birds are drawn to airports by food, water, and shelter, including open drains, rubbish dumps, and nearby crops.
“Managing these attractants, monitoring bird activity, and training pilots and ground staff are vital to reducing the risk of collisions,” he said.
In response, Fiji Airports and Fiji Airways have implemented wildlife hazard management programs. Measures include mapping bird attractants within a 5km radius of airports, using bird detection radars and deterrent devices, sharing real-time strike data, conducting DNA analysis to identify high-risk species, and training pilots and staff in hazard response.
On a national scale, the newly established National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee for Aviation coordinates efforts among government agencies, aviation authorities, environmental bodies, and local communities. The committee ensures compliance with international safety standards and reporting requirements
