5 December, 2025, 3:35 pm Central - 27°C Clear

Domestic airline grounded after Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate not renewed by CAAF

Domestic airline grounded after Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate not renewed by CAAF

By Alipate Narawa
23/11/2025

A domestic airline based in Nadi has been grounded after their Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate issued under the Air Navigation Regulations Part 145C which expired on midnight 22nd November, 2025 was not renewed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF).

CAAF says no operational or commercial consideration can override the requirement to meet safety standards set out in Fiji’s aviation laws.

They say this decision follows a comprehensive regulatory assessment in which they identified significant and recurring safety non-compliances by the operator.

The Fijian Government emphasises that the safety of Fiji’s travelling public remains their highest priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

They say aviation is fundamental to Fiji’s connectivity, the resilience of our tourism industry, and the confidence of the many students and families who invest in aviation training.

The Government says maintaining a credible, safe, and internationally respected aviation system is essential to Fiji’s long-term economic health and global standing.

They acknowledge that the non-renewal of this certificate will have flow-on effects for maintenance activities, training programmes, and associated operations, adding these impacts are recognised.

CAAF’s determination has been made independently, in strict accordance with its statutory mandate, and reflects its obligation to act on evidence, uphold the law, and ensure the protection of passengers, pilot trainees, and the wider public.

They say ensuring full compliance is central to sustaining public trust and maintaining Fiji’s reputation as a safe and reliable aviation environment.

CAAF has confirmed that it remains open to receiving a comprehensive, verifiable corrective action plan from the organisation concerned.

Any future consideration of a licence will depend entirely on whether all identified deficiencies are fully resolved, independently validated, and demonstrated to comply with the regulatory framework.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation says they respect the legal independence of the aviation regulator and will not intervene in operational safety decisions that are grounded in established regulatory processes.

They say they will continue to work closely with CAAF and relevant stakeholders to support appropriate interim arrangements that prioritise safety while minimising disruption where practicable.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation says their focus remains on maintaining sector stability, supporting training continuity, and safeguarding confidence within the tourism industry, the aviation sector, and the wider economy.

They say this decision is firmly grounded in the interests of public safety, and they will proceed on that basis.

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