National carrier Fiji Airways will reinstate its direct air service between Nadi and Nouméa, New Caledonia, marking a significant step forward in post-pandemic regional connectivity.
The route will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays; and will utilise its ATR 72-600 aircraft from its regional subsidiary Fiji Link.
This deployment injects more than 10,000 additional seats annually into the South Pacific aviation market, addressing a critical gap in regional travel.
The decision reflects a broader strategy by Fiji Airways to position Nadi as the undisputed transit hub of the South Pacific.
By linking Nouméa into its network, the carrier offers New Caledonian passengers seamless onward connections to major international markets, including New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.
Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Paul Scurrah called New Caledonia an important market for the airline.
He added the capacity would catalyse tourism and trade.
“Reinstating this service creates exciting new opportunities for travellers, whether visiting Fiji for our world-renowned hospitality or exploring the unique French Pacific culture of Nouméa,” Mr Scurrah said in a statement yesterday.
“With more than 10,000 additional seats opening up annually, this is a significant boost for tourism, trade and people-to-people connections across our region. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board.”
Beyond leisure tourism, the Nadi–Nouméa route also serves a vital geopolitical function, with Suva and Nouméa being the administrative heartlands of the Pacific.
Mr Scurrah said the reinstatement of this service would strengthen an important corridor for the Pacific’s regional community.
“Nouméa and Suva are home to some of the Pacific’s most significant intergovernmental and development organisations, with staff, delegates, consultants and partners travelling regularly between the two cities.
“Fiji Airways looks forward to supporting the connectivity needs of these organisations and the broader professional community that keeps the Pacific connected.”
The direct service goes online on September 22 later this year. Tickets went on sale yesterday.
Also on September 22 this year, the airline will upgrade its Vancouver services and also increase its Hong Kong frequencies.
