Fiji Airways Review: Is It a Good Airline in 2025

Fiji’s national carrier enjoys a loyal following, but what does the data actually say about its safety, service, and value? This guide cuts through the marketing to give you a fact-based look at Fiji Airways in 2025 — from its recent APEX World Class award to real passenger reviews and ownership history, covering what you need to know whether you’re considering a flight to Nadi or wondering how it compares to other airlines.

Skytrax Rating: 4-Star Airline (Skytrax) ·
Safety Score: 7/7 (AirlineRatings.com) ·
APEX Award: 2026 World Class (APEX) ·
Alliance: oneworld member ·
Hub: Nadi International Airport

Six key facts, one pattern: Fiji Airways has earned independent recognition across multiple dimensions — safety, service, and sustainability.

Is Fiji Airways a good airline?

APEX World Class recognition

• Fiji Airways was named one of the 2026 APEX World Class airlines — a list of only ten airlines globally (APEX).
• The award is based on an audit across twenty dimensions within four constructs: Safety & Well-being, Sustainability, Service–Guest Experience, and F&B Execution (APEX).
• Audits are validated by academic experts and benchmarked against one year of guest ratings and Net Promoter Score analysis (APEX World Class).

Skytrax 4-Star certification

The airline holds a 4-Star Airline rating from Skytrax, which certifies the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service (Skytrax).

Customer and expert reviews

On AirlineRatings.com, Fiji Airways earns a safety score of 7/7 and a product rating of 3.8 based on passenger reviews (AirlineRatings.com). Travelers on Reddit describe the airline as having a good safety record and note that it delays flights for technical issues rather than operating with unresolved problems (Reddit). One reviewer compared Fiji Airways favorably to Qantas in terms of safety sentiment (Reddit).

The implication: Fiji Airways competes strongly on safety and certification, making it a reliable choice for travelers to the South Pacific — especially for those who prioritize security over luxury.

Is Fiji Air owned by Qantas?

Historical ownership by Qantas

Qantas previously held a minority stake in Fiji Airways, but that ended in 2019.

Current ownership structure

• Fiji Airways is currently owned by the Fijian government — it is the national flag carrier (Skytrax).
• There is no operational ownership or control by Qantas today. Fiji Airways joined the oneworld alliance independently.

The catch: Confusion persists because of the historical Qantas stake and the close codeshare relationship, but the ownership structure has been clear for years.

Is the Fiji Airways economy good?

Seat comfort and legroom

Fiji Airways A350 Economy offers 31-32 inch pitch, standard for long-haul carriers (AirlineRatings.com). Seats include adjustable headrests and decent recline.

In-flight entertainment

Personal entertainment screens are available on long-haul flights, though content selection is moderate compared to larger airlines.

Food and beverage service

• Complimentary meals are served on all flights, with a choice of entrees (AirlineRatings.com).
• Free alcoholic beverages — wine, beer, and spirits — are provided in economy class (Fiji Airways Facebook).

Comparison with other carriers

In the South Pacific market, Fiji Airways economy is generally rated above average for value, especially given the complimentary alcohol and meal service. However, it trails full-service carriers like Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways in seat pitch and IFE variety.

Why this matters: For budget-conscious travelers flying from Australia, New Zealand, or the US West Coast, Fiji Airways economy offers a strong cost-value equation, especially when factoring in the inclusive drinks policy.

Do you get free alcohol on Fiji Airways?

Complimentary drinks in economy

• Free wine, beer, and spirits are served on all flights with no additional charge (Fiji Airways Facebook).
• Non-alcoholic drinks are also complimentary.

Drinks in business class

Business class passengers receive an expanded selection of premium spirits, wines, and cocktails.

Alcoholic beverage policy

The airline does not limit the number of drinks, but crew reserve the right to refuse service. This policy is consistent with most full-service carriers.

The pattern: Fiji Airways stands out among South Pacific airlines by including alcohol in the fare across all cabins — something many competitors now charge for in economy.

Is it safe to fly with Fiji Airways?

Safety record and certifications

• Fiji Airways has a clean safety record with no major incidents or fatal accidents (AirlineRatings.com).
• It is certified by IATA and meets ICAO standards.
• AirlineRatings.com recognises Fiji Airways among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026, ranking in the Top 20 globally from more than 320 airlines (Fiji Airways Facebook).

Aircraft maintenance and fleet age

The fleet includes A350, A330, and B737 aircraft. The airline reportedly delays flights for technical issues rather than operating with unresolved problems, according to passenger accounts (Reddit).

What this means: Travelers can book with confidence regarding safety; the airline’s conservative maintenance culture, while potentially causing delays, is a positive signal for operational integrity.

Specifications at a glance

Seven dimensions of Fiji Airways, one pattern: independent audits consistently place it among the top regional carriers.

The pattern: These seven dimensions show that Fiji Airways earns consistently strong marks from independent auditors, making it one of the most thoroughly vetted airlines operating in the South Pacific.

Upsides and downsides

The takeaway: For most travelers, the upsides of free drinks, strong safety, and oneworld benefits outweigh the limited route network and moderate product rating.

What’s confirmed and what’s not

Confirmed facts

• Fiji Airways is a 2026 APEX World Class airline (APEX).
• Skytrax rates it 4-Star (Skytrax).
• Free alcohol is provided on all flights (Fiji Airways Facebook).
• Qantas does not own Fiji Airways (Skytrax).
• Safety score 7/7 from AirlineRatings.com (AirlineRatings.com).

What remains unclear

• Current travel advisories for Fiji may change; check official government sources.
• Exact seat dimensions may vary by aircraft and route.

The bottom line: The confirmed facts far outweigh the uncertainties, giving travelers a solid basis for booking decisions.

Quotes from the experts

“Fiji Airways described the 2026 APEX World Class award as a historic milestone.”

— Travel Agent Central, citing Fiji Airways CEO André Viljoen (Travel Agent Central)

“APEX World Class is based on an audit by industry professionals across twenty dimensions within four key constructs: Safety & Well-being, Sustainability, Service–Guest Experience, and F&B Execution.”

— APEX (APEX)

For the traveler flying from Australia, New Zealand, or the US West Coast, the decision is clear: Fiji Airways offers a safe, well-regarded, and affordable option to the South Pacific, with the added bonus of free drinks and a strong safety culture — but those seeking top-tier entertainment or seat pitch may find better value on larger Asian carriers.

Frequently asked questions