Bula! Fiji Airways has touched down in Cairns, marking its first-ever direct service from Nadi, Fiji. This new year-round route connects Tropical North Queensland to Fiji in just over four hours.
It offers locals a quick escape to paradise and opening a seamless gateway to North America. The inaugural flight, FJ971, landed at Cairns Airport around 11:30 AM on Thursday.
The flight from Nadi greeted by vibrant Fijian dancers celebrating in the international terminal.
Cairns-Nadi Route a “Game-Changer”
“This route is a game-changer,” said Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways’ CEO. “With 333 islands, Fiji appeals to every kind of traveler, from adventure seekers to those craving relaxation.”
“For Australians, our one-stop flights to North America cut travel time by three hours, avoiding extra stopovers. Plus, as full oneworld members, we offer perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and miles earning through the AAdvantage® program.”
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker was in agreement. “This direct connection is a win for our community. It gives locals a fresh holiday option, supports tourism, and strengthens ties for family visits or trade.:
“Importantly, it aligns perfectly with Fiji Airways’ Dallas-Fort Worth schedule, making North American destinations like Los Angeles and San Francisco just 16 hours away—a time-saving leap for travelers.”
The first Cairns-to-Nadi flight departed at 12:25 PM (AEST) on Thursday, delivering passengers to Fiji’s warm hospitality by 6:35 PM local time.
Operating three times weekly, the route uses the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8, featuring eight business class seats and 162 economy seats designed for comfort.
53,000 Seats Annually
This new service is set to inject 53,000 seats annually into the market, boosting Cairns’ economy by an estimated $62 million over three years.
Queensland’s Tourism Minister Andrew Powell highlighted the impact. “The Crisafulli Government is thrilled to back tourism growth. These flights will draw more visitors to experience our region’s treasures, from snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef to mountain biking.”
Access to North American market
Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, emphasized the route’s potential to tap into the North American market.
“The US is our second-largest market, with 85,000 visitors in 2024. This service could push our market share higher, adding millions to our economy. We’ve run 20 campaigns in North America, generating $21 million in direct sales and $54.9 million in publicity to showcase our region.”
Conclusion
The Nadi-Cairns route is Fiji Airways’ 27th direct international service and its fifth in Australia, joining flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.
By linking Cairns to Fiji and beyond, this route not only simplifies travel but also strengthens cultural and economic ties.
Whether you’re dreaming of Fiji’s beaches or a quick hop to North America, Fiji Airways’ new service makes it easier to explore the world from Tropical North Queensland.
