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Nauru Airlines will begin non-stop flights from Brisbane to Palau later this month.
Starting on 21 May, the weekly six-hour “Palau Paradise Express” service, operating using 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft, will leave Brisbane at 11:30pm on Tuesdays, arriving 4:30am local time on Wednesdays, then return at 10:30pm on Wednesday for a 5:30am Thursday touchdown in Brisbane.
The addition of Palau, which is part of Micronesia and lies north of Papua New Guinea and east of the Philippines, gives Brisbane the highest number of Pacific connections out of any Australian airport, with a total of 14.
“This new direct service not only enhances Brisbane Airport’s role as Australia’s premier gateway to the Pacific but also invites adventurers to embark on a seamless journey to one of the region’s most inviting destinations. It’s now a very easy place to add to your bucket list,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.
“Palau is Brisbane’s 31st direct international destination, with the pre-pandemic count standing at 33. Over the past two years, huge efforts have been made to rebuild the network, ensuring Queenslanders are connected to the world.”
Brett Gebers, CEO of Nauru Airlines, said the route will open “new opportunities for tourism development and air freight from Australia and New Zealand via the Brisbane gateway”.
“This is a key addition to our broader Micronesian network and we know direct air access from Brisbane will be well received by travellers and the travel industry,” he said.
The direct link comes on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations being established between Australia and Palau, and will fly with support from the Australian Government’s Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program (P4A).
According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the route is an “important step towards strengthening economic growth in the region”.
“Australia has heard the calls from Pacific leaders for deeper connections and easier movement around the region, and is working to improve access, mobility, and migration opportunities,” Minister Wong said.
“Through the P4A program, we are partnering with countries in the Pacific for a safer, more resilient and sustainable aviation sector.”
