A new airline route will connect us to the Pacific and beyond, with the first flight touching down this week.
A direct line from Nadi in Fiji to Cairns will operate three times a week, with the new route bringing thousands of extra tourists and connecting the west coast of the US direct to Cairns via Fiji.
More than 50 thousand seats will arrive annually from the Cairns to Nadi leg, injuecting an estimated $62 million into the economy each year.
Tourism minister Andrew Powell says it’s an exciting time for the Far North.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support tourism growth in Tropical North Queensland,” he said.
“We know these additional flights will bring more visitors to our beautiful region so they can experience all the great offerings we have – from mountain bike riding to snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef.”
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker is calling the move a gamechanger.
“Our community has welcomed this exciting new connection with open arms. Fiji Airways’ service offers locals a great, new holiday option and will streamline visits to family and friends while also supporting tourism operators, strengthening trade channels and providing new education opportunities,” he said.
“Critically, this route aligns with Fiji Airways’ Dallas-Fort Worth schedule, operating on the same days, with a perfect and time-efficient connection via Nadi. This fast, one-stop connectivity to North America is a game changer.
“Destinations such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are now just 16 hours away, slashing nearly three hours of travel time and eliminating the need for additional stops in other Australian ports.”
