๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐ ๐ข๐ฃ๐ขโ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
Suva, Fijiโ The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, yesterday provided Parliament with an update on Fijiโs successful compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) security audit, reinforcing the nationโs commitment to maintaining high aviation safety standards.
Responding to a question from the Opposition, Hon. Gavoka confirmed that Fijiโs 2023 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP-CMA) assessment found no Significant Security Concerns (SSCs), a key indicator of the countryโs robust aviation security framework. The audit, conducted from June 5โ16, 2023, evaluated 498 security protocols, including passenger screening, cargo security, and access control measures.
Key Highlights from Minister Gavokaโs Statement:
- No Critical Deficiencies:ย The absence of SSCs ensures Fijiโs aviation sector remains safe and reliable, avoiding potential disruptions to international travel and trade.
- Areas for Enhancement:ย While Fiji met core security requirements, the audit identified opportunities to strengthen aviation legislation and implement advanced passenger data systems (Advanced Passenger InformationโAPI and Passenger Name RecordโPNR) for improved security screening.
- Global Commitments:ย Minister Gavoka referenced his recent participation in the ICAO Facilitation Conference in Doha, where Fiji joined other nations in endorsing theย Doha Declaration, promoting innovation in border security and passenger processing.
- Next Steps:ย The Ministry will revitalise the National Aviation Security Committee (NASC)ย and theย National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC)ย while modernising Fijiโs Civil Aviation Security Legislation to align with global best practices.
Safeguarding Fijiโs Tourism and Connectivity
Minister Gavoka emphasised that aviation security is vital to Fijiโs economy, particularly its tourism sector. โOur focus remains on continuous improvement, collaboration with stakeholders, and ensuring Fiji remains a secure and preferred destination for travellers worldwide,โ he stated.
The Ministry remains committed to upholding international aviation standards, ensuring safe and efficient air travel for all passengers and businesses relying on Fijiโs connectivity.
-ENDS-