Community
20 April, 2025
$21m a year ecoboost
NEW direct flights to Fiji which then connect to North America will inject an estimated $21 million a year into the Far North’s economy.
Fiji Airways landed in Cairns for the first time last week. The new, year-round service direct from Nadi brings Tropical North Queensland closer to the United States than 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.
Fiji Airways chief executive officer and managing director Andre Viljoen said the route was “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,” he said.
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the airline’s direct flights to Cairns would entice more international visitors to the region.
“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.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said TTNQ had invested heavily in 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 $21m in direct sales with bookings from 30,800 passengers,” Mr Olsen said.
