Fiji Airways to begin direct flights to Canberra from July

By David Flynn, April 14 2023

Fiji Airways is set to begin direct flights between Canberra and the Fijian gateway of Nadi in July, with the option for capital city flyers to head onwards to Los Angeles, San Francisco and even Vancouver.

Flights will initially run twice-weekly every Tuesday and Friday from July to the end of September, stepping up to three times a week from October onwards.

“Our services between Nadi and Canberra will also establish a convenient onward connection to North America, other South Pacific destinations and indeed the rest of the world,” says Fiji Airways Chief Executive and Managing Director Andre Viljoen.

“Travellers can also break up a long journey with a short stay in Fiji.”

The Qantas partner and Oneworld Connect member will join officials from Canberra Airport and the ACT and Fiji governments later today, Friday April 14, to formally launch the flights, which will rely on a Boeing 737 MAX with eight business class recliners and 162 economy seats.

To mark the occasion, one of Fiji Airways’ Boeing 737 MAX jets will journey from Nadi to Canberra on Friday morning and return later that evening.

In our exclusive review of Fiji Airways’ Boeing 737 MAX business class, Executive Traveller found them well-suited to these short hops between Australia and Nadi thanks to a relaxing recline and room to stretch your legs, useful at-seat storage, HD video and inflight WiFi.

Full details of Fiji Airways’s schedule will be revealed at Friday’s launch event.

The airline is clearly hoping to tempt ACT residents with a tropical getaway, especially as winter approaches.

Located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, Nadi serves as the primary gateway to Fiji and its many resorts and experiences.

The island nation is in fact made up of some 333 islands brimming with opportunities for exploration, adventure or relaxation, from diving and snorkelling amid pristine reefs to unwinding on deserted beaches with nothing but sand, sea and sunshine.

While Fiji Airways already flies to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, its debut in Canberra represents the welcome return of international services to the nation’s capital.

Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines flew directly to Canberra before the pandemic, and Canberra Airport and the ACT government have been lobbying for international airlines to put CBR back on the map.