Community
29 April, 2025
Fiji Airways to bring more US visitors to FNQ
DOUGLAS Shire hoteliers Reef and rainforest operators, cafes, bars and restaurants and other local businesses should start to see a steady influx of North American visitors after new direct flights from Fiji landed in Cairns earlier this month.
The new, year-round service direct from Nadi brings Tropical North Queensland closer to the United States than ever 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.
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,” he said.
“It’s a big boost in convenience and global connectivity.”
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.
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