Airspace revenue unclear as Fiji maintains control

November 17, 2025 10:56 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Terence Malapa.

The Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities has revealed in Parliament that he does not yet know how much revenue Vanuatu receives from the management of its airspace.

Minister Xavier Emanuel Harry made the clarification while responding to an oral question from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Port Vila, Jackson Lessa of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV), during last week’s parliamentary session.

MP Lessa asked whether Vanuatu benefits financially from the frequent use of its airspace by foreign airlines, noting that international flights cross Vanuatu’s skies daily.

In his response, Minister Harry confirmed that Fiji continues to manage Vanuatu’s airspace, as it does for several Pacific Island nations. He said he did not have with him the exact amount of revenue—or whether any is currently being collected—under this arrangement.

The Minister assured Parliament that he will provide a detailed answer during the next sitting, including information on fees, revenue distribution, and any agreements governing Fiji’s oversight of Vanuatu’s airspace.

He added that the government is reviewing several aviation-related agreements to ensure Vanuatu receives fair benefits from regional aviation services.