Fiji Airways has unveiled a game-changing direct route between Cairns and Nadi, set to launch on 10 April 2025.
Operating thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the service will utilise the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, offering Northern Queenslanders a seamless link to Fiji and onwards to North America.
Travellers can now book introductory fares starting at just $539 AUD Lite return to Nadi, $999 AUD Value return to Los Angeles and San Francisco via Fiji, and $1,099 AUD Value return to Dallas Fort Worth. These fares are available until 26 November 2024 through Fiji Airways’ website or travel agents.
The route will add 53,000 seats annually, strengthening Fiji Airways’ global network and providing a vital gateway for Australians and international tourists to connect with the Northern Hemisphere.
Enhancing links between Australia, Fiji, and North America
The new Cairns–Nadi route aligns with Fiji Airways’ schedule to Dallas Fort Worth, offering convenient same-day connections for passengers travelling to North America. This development will reduce travel time for Cairns passengers to key US destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas by nearly three hours compared to traditional domestic connections.
Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO André Viljoen highlighted the strategic importance of the route, saying, “Our new service to Cairns is another step in our network expansion, providing enhanced travel options and connectivity for our customers. This route bridges Northern Australia, Fiji, and North America like never before.”
Boosting tourism and trade in Northern Queensland
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker called the new service a “game changer,” enabling easier access to iconic attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest for Fijian and North American tourists. Additionally, the route provides increased opportunities for freight exports from Northern Queensland.
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell welcomed the new flights, forecasting an annual economic boost of $12 million from 26,593 inbound passengers, alongside the creation of 130 new jobs. Powell said, “This service will strengthen ties across the South Pacific and the USA, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.”
Capturing the growing North American market
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) CEO Mark Olsen underscored the significance of this route for North American travellers. With the US being Cairns’ second-largest international market, Olsen estimates that the new flights could bring an additional 52,000 US visitors annually, injecting $160 million into the regional economy.
Olsen noted, “Pre-COVID, the North American market brought in 139,000 visitors annually. This new service addresses one of our biggest challenges – the cost and availability of domestic connections to Cairns – making it a one-stop journey for US travellers.”
Fiji Airways’ award-winning service
Passengers on the new route can enjoy Fiji Airways’ renowned hospitality, including complimentary full-flight text Wi-Fi for economy travellers and browsing Wi-Fi for business class.
As part of its Oneworld membership, Fiji Airways also leverages its partnership with American Airlines to streamline connections for US passengers, making Cairns more accessible than ever.
Strengthening tourism partnerships
The service builds on significant investments by TTNQ and the Australian Government under the International Tourism Recovery Program. Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell praised the initiative, recognising its importance in strengthening Cairns as a premier global destination.
With the launch of these flights, Fiji Airways is set to play a pivotal role in connecting Tropical North Queensland with the world, boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Flights between Cairns and Nadi will operate thrice weekly on the Boeing 737-8, equipped with eight business and 170 economy seats, bringing new opportunities to explore the South Pacific and beyond.
