20 March 2020 – Fiji Airways suspends 95% of international flights

Type of Intervention: Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Tourism, Transportation
Intervention Categories: International travel measures; Non-governmental interventions; Businesses
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: Civil Aviation Minister

Overview: The intervention involved the suspension for 95% of Fiji’s international routed flights. The targeted audience are mainly foreigners staying in our country and Fiji’s citizens staying abroad. The intended effect was to ensure that no one contracts COVID-19 in to our country, also as a prevention strategy.
Flights can only be adjusted depending on the demand and suspension of flights and it became effective as of 21st and 22nd of March, 2020. This suspension schedule will remain in place through the end of May 2020, where further travel restrictions may be announced if deemed necessary.
The government worked closely with foreign embassies in returning foreign nationals to their country and Fijian citizens living abroad to return to Fiji.
Full details here: https://www.fijitimes.com/fiji-airways-suspends-95-per-cent-of-international-flights/

Type of Justification: Perception of an increased threat
Evidence/Justification: Measure taken due to the unprecedented impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry