Bula! Fiji Airways has landed in Cairns for the very first time.
The new, year-round service direct from Nadi brings Tropical North Queensland closer to the United States than ever before and provides seamless leisure opportunities for locals, creating the region’s first non-stop connection to Fiji with a flight time of just over four hours.
Traditional Fijian dancers led celebrations across Cairns Airport’s international terminal as the inaugural flight, FJ971, touched down about 11.30am on Thursday.
To celebrate the launch, Fiji Airways is offering heavily discounted return fares, on sale for a limited time until Monday 14 April. Special offers from Cairns include $539 AUD Lite return* to Fiji, just $999 AUD Value return* to Los Angeles and San Francisco via Fiji, and from $1,099 AUD Value return* to Dallas-Fort Worth in Texas and Vancouver, Canada via Fiji.
Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Andre Viljoen 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.”
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said Fiji Airways’ direct flights to Cairns would entice more international visitors to Tropical North Queensland.
“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.”
The historic first flight from Cairns to Fiji is also scheduled to depart today at 12.25PM (AEST), offering guests a seamless four-hour journey with Fiji Airways’ award-winning hospitality before arrival in Fijian paradise at 6.35PM local time.
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. This modern aircraft is equipped with eight business class seats and 162 economy class seats, all designed for optimal comfort.
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.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said: “The Crisafulli Government is proud to support tourism growth in Tropical North Queensland.”
“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 snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen 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.
“Our first 12 North American campaigns have achieved $21 million in direct sales with bookings from 30,800 passengers. Utilising the Federal funding from the International Tourism Recovery Program we have already achieved $54.9 million in publicity to drive awareness of Tropical North Queensland in North America.”
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.
To secure Fiji Airways’ heavily discounted launch airfares, book now via fijiairways.com and participating travel agents. Highlight offers include:
• Cairns to Nadi, Fiji Lite return fares, from $539
• Cairns to Dallas-Fort Worth, Value return fares via Nadi, from $1099
• Cairns to Los Angeles, Value return fares via Nadi, from $999
• Cairns to San Francisco, Value return fares via Nadi, from $999
• Cairns to Vancouver, Value return fares via Nadi, from $1099
All economy fares include meals, beverages, inflight entertainment and carry-on baggage up to 7kg. LITE fares do not include any checked bags. Value fares include 30kg of checked luggage.
*Flights are per person. Fares are on sale until 14 April 2025 and valid for select travel dates, with limited seats available. Terms and conditions apply.