Fiji Airways food under fire as MPs debate $200m guarantee

Fiji Airways is facing criticism over its in-flight food, with Opposition MP Premila Kumar questioning whether passengers are receiving the service they pay for.

Ms Kumar raised concerns over the airline’s catering while Parliament debated the Government’s proposed $200 million guarantee for Fiji Airways.

“Fiji Airways airline must look carefully at its spending, but cost-cutting should not come at the expense of passengers or the airline’s reputation,” Ms Kumar said.

Her concerns come amid complaints about the food served on Fiji Airways flights.

“This standard of meals does not match Fiji Airways’ standing as an award-winning international airline,” Ms Kumar said.

Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka defended the airline’s decision to reduce catering costs, saying the priority was to protect flight capacity rather than cut services that could affect tourism.

“Fiji was heading towards what could be its best tourism year with visitor arrivals exceeding one million on a rolling June-to-June basis,” Mr Gavoka said.

He said maintaining flight capacity was particularly important following Air New Zealand’s withdrawal of services to Fiji.

Government MP Biman Prasad acknowledged the concerns and said Fiji Airways may need to reconsider some of its cost-cutting measures.

“Savings should not come at the expense of the airline’s reputation or passenger experience,” Mr Prasad said.

Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya warned against cuts that could weaken Fiji Airways’ position as a premium airline.

Mr Koya questioned the planned suspension of the Dallas route from September 6, calling for closer scrutiny of the airline’s route decisions, revenue management and expenditure.

MPs said the focus must be on protecting both its bottom line and the premium reputation it has built.