The launch of direct Fiji Airways services between Gold Coast Airport and Nadi, Fiji is expected to make travel between the South Pacific, North America and Australia significantly easier.

June next year will see the airline commence services from Nadi, Fiji three times a week, providing a new international gateway for the Gold Coast while also offering seamless connections for travellers flying from Los Angeles, Dallas Fort Worth and Vancouver via Fiji. The new route, to be operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, is expected to strengthen tourism, business and cultural links between Queensland, Fiji and North America.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah said the new service reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to Australia, strengthening ties between the two countries and unlocking significant opportunities for both outbound and inbound travel.

“The Gold Coast is a natural fit for Fiji Airways,” he said. “It is a thriving hub for tourism, business, and major global events, and its population and infrastructure growth make it an increasingly important part of Australia’s future.”

Meanwhile, Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans described the announcement as a major step forward for the airport’s international growth. “What’s particularly exciting about this route is that, on top of gaining another spectacular holiday destination for locals, this connection with Fiji will further open up the Gold Coast to the world,” she said.

“Fiji Airways has strong links into the United States and Canada, so this service will also give travellers the option to fly from North America to the Gold Coast via Fiji.”

She estimated the economic impact of the route as more than $51 million to the local economy each year.

The service has been supported by the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast through the Connecting Queensland Fund.

“It’s fantastic to welcome another international airline to the Gold Coast opening up our destination to both the Fijian market, and connecting visitors from North America,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said. He added that Experience Gold Coast will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government and airline partners to secure exciting new aviation opportunities that will tap into new international markets.

Flights are now on sale, with fares starting from $549 AUD return to Nadi or $999 AUD return to North America via Nadi.