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Canberra Airport has resumed international services with the launch of a Fiji Airways route to Nadi.
The airport’s first international flight since the pandemic, Fiji Airways flight FJ950, left Canberra on board the 737 MAX 8 DQ-FAF at 2:39pm on Friday. Two return services per week will operate between Canberra and Nadi on Tuesdays and Fridays, with Sunday flights to be added from October.
“The strong forward bookings for this new route are a clear indicator of the demand for international travel both to, and from Canberra,” said Canberra Airport’s Managing Director, Stephen Byron.
“This partnership between Fiji Airways, ACT Government and Canberra Airport signifies the return of direct international services to our city and puts Canberra back on the map.
“We are excited to relaunch our international operations and thank Fiji Airways for their strong show of support for the nation’s capital.”
Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andre Viljoen, said the airline is “thrilled with the strong uptake” of the new route.
“The new direct service from Canberra will provide customers with enhanced connectivity and convenience, offering seamless access between the stunning islands of Fiji and the capital city of Australia. It also opens up a new transit point for the people of Canberra to travel onwards to other parts of the world including North America, Vancouver and East Asia,” he said.
“It will undoubtedly boost the tourism industry in both countries, and will open up further opportunities for Australians to explore the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality that Fiji has to offer. Additionally, it will provide a convenient gateway for Fijians to discover the unique attractions and experiences Canberra has in store.”
Fiji Airways now operates five different direct services between Australia and Nadi, including 14 to 18 weekly Sydney flights, 10 weekly Melbourne flights, eight weekly Brisbane flights, and two flights per week to each of Adelaide and Canberra.
Neither Singapore Airlines nor Qatar Airways have given a firm indication of when they will resume their pre-pandemic services to Canberra, with Qatar having pushed back the planned resumption of direct services several times.
