Fiji Airways has commenced a new year-round service between Nadi and Cairns, making Tropical North Queensland more accessible to travellers from the United States. At just over four hours, the new Nadi-Cairns route is the first non-stop service between the destinations.
Traditional Fijian dancers led celebrations across Cairns Airport’s international terminal as the inaugural flight, FJ971, touched down shortly before 11.30am on Thursday.
Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director said: “This new route is a major milestone for Tropical North Queensland travellers and Australians eyeing a Fijian escape; the 333 islands cater to all types of holidaymakers.”
“We’re thrilled to provide faster one-stop connections to North America, saving three hours and skipping extra stopovers for Aussies in the region. It’s a big boost in convenience and global connectivity. Plus, our full oneworld membership and AAdvantage® travel rewards program unlock even more benefits for frequent flyers including lounge access, priority boarding, and earning and redeeming miles across the extensive oneworld network.”
Richard Barker, Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer said Fiji Airways’ new direct flights to Cairns would entice more international visitors to Tropical North Queensland.
“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.”
“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.”
Operating three times per week, Fiji Airways’ direct flights to Cairns further expand the national airline’s global network using the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8.
The direct Nadi-Cairns service will inject 53,000 seats into the market each year and generate an estimated $62 million boost to the Cairns economy over the first three years.
Mark Olsen, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer said TTNQ had been investing heavily into the North American market with inbound tour operators and travel agents looking forward to the opportunities presented by the shorter flying time to Cairns.
“The US is currently our second largest market with 85,000 visitors in 2024 and the new service via Fiji presents the opportunity to grow our market share, which in the past has been as high as 22 per cent,” he said.
“We are currently getting 16 per cent of Australia’s $2 billion US market so each market share percentage we can grow is an additional $20 million for our economy.
“TTNQ has been investing heavily in the North American market undertaking 20 trade and aviation campaigns to date including a campaign in partnership with Fiji Airways which will run to June 30 to drive bookings on the Cairns route.
The Nadi to Cairns route marks Fiji Airways’ 27th direct international service and the airline’s fifth Australian destination, with direct flights from Nadi also operating to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.
