The Civil Aviation Ministry and AFL are looking at air safety requirements of Pacific Sun, following an incident in Lakeba yesterday, where one of their aircraft was grounded by a police officer.

Director Civil Aviation, Akuila Waradi said the weight of an aircraft matter the most, where sometimes cargo is left behind to accommodate passengers.

He said they are only focusing on the air safety part of operations. Waradi said he understands Pacific Sun had made arrangements to fly over the luggage to Lakeba soon.

Pacific Sun spokesperson, Samisoni Pareti said such incidents have worrying implications for domestic air travel. He confirms the aircraft involved was a Twin Otter and the incident disrupted its flight schedules yesterday.

Pareti said the police officer told the crew he was acting on complaints lodged by a few passengers who were reportedly annoyed by the offload of some of their cargo at Nausori.

Pareti confirmed that the plane was on weight restrictions because it needed to carry return fuel.

Meanwhile, Police assistant spokesperson Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said they are expected to release an official statement on the issue today when asked by Fijivillage on whether any actions will be taken against the police officer concerned.

Sokomuri denied this morning that police had arrested the pilot and other crew members.

Story by: Ronal Deo