WHEN pre-eminent leaders of Fiji and Nauru – the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and Hammer de Roburt – shook hands some 50-plus years ago, ongoing flight connections between the two island nations were established, and continues unabated to this day.
And while the gateway of Fiji’s Nadi International Airport has been the predominant entry point of services linking Nauru over the more recent years, Suva gained recognition with flights from Nauru from the mid-1970s and through into the 1990s.
Following that, the formalisation of Nauru’s air rights contained in the Air Services Agreement between Nauru and Fiji, for many years established Nadi only as the allowed and ongoing entry point for Nauru Airlines flights.
Recent discussions, however, between the two countries’ governments have provided the new authorisation that both Nadi and Suva are allowable as entry destinations for Nauru Airlines.
That authorisation prompted the re-establishment of the new direct service that commenced on August 28 (2025) between Nauru and Suva via Nausori International Airport.
Nauru’s affiliation
Nauru Airlines deputy chairman Geoff Bowmaker said Nauru’s affiliations with Suva and Fiji were evident in many fields – through access to Fiji’s schools and colleges for their younger and developing generations, through business interchanges, intellectual exchanges and mutually supportive government programs.
He said Fiji’s capital Suva hosted a predominance of those interchange activities and, therefore, offered a sound and logical basis for the new and direct air link to Suva.
Following the inaugural service that landed at Nausori International Airport on August 28, he said Suva would be delivered more direct flights to variety of Pacific destinations via Nauru Airlines North Pacific Connector services beyond Nauru, and those include Tarawa, Majuro, Pohnpei and Palau.
“This will bring more immediately accessibility for both airline passengers and air freight into and out of Suva, enhancing both visitor and freight produce growth opportunities,” Mr Bowmaker said.
Vital link
Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said the launch of Nauru Airline’s direct service to Suva marked a significant milestone for both countries and the entire Pacific family.
He said they were reopening the skies between Suva and Nauru with direct flights after more than a decade – “a reconnection that is not just long overdue but deeply significant”.
“This isn’t just about resuming a route. It’s about relationships. It’s about regional resilience. And it’s about reigniting the momentum of a more connected Blue Pacific,” Mr Nawari told stakeholders and partners at the launch held at Nausori International Airport.
“Nauru may be one of our region’s smallest nations by land, but it has always been large in spirit, history, and strength.
“This new service restores a vital link – one that will support not only travel but also trade, education, diplomacy, and people-to-people exchange,” he said.
Mr Nawari said Fiji Airports was focused on one clear vision – to be the world-class aviation hub for the Blue Pacific, and the new direct service moved the company a step closer to that goal.
He said it would strengthen Suva’s position as a Pacific connector and reflected their deep commitment to regional cooperation, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.
“Nausori International Airport is proud to be the home of this service. We’re confident this launch will encourage even more direct links across the region, because when Pacific nations are better connected, everyone benefits.
“Fiji has always supported Nauru’s voice and presence in the region. From our collaboration in the Pacific Islands Forum to our ongoing diplomatic ties, today’s flight reflects the strength of that relationship and our shared future.
“Let’s be clear, this launch is not just about convenience. It is about connection. It is about commitment. It is about community.”
More than transport
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the new flight service would connect people, communities and economies across the Pacific=.
He said it embodied the Pacific Fresh Air Link, a transformative initiative aimed at addressing two pressing challenges in the region: economic empowerment of the people, and the need to supply the Pacific family in the North with affordable fresh produce.
“This flight is more than transport, it is a lifeline that links businesses and families, while creating jobs, generating revenue, and providing healthier choices across our islands,” Mr Gavoka said.
While he commended the Nauru government for the commitment to improve regional connectivity, said this partnership was tangible proof that practical cooperation could deliver real benefits to the people.
“As supply capacity grows, Nauru Airlines has pledged to utilise their freighter planes, further strengthening our collaboration and demonstrating the true spirit of Pacific solidarity.”
Mr Gavoka said Nauru Airlines was a key partner in the recently drafted memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Regional Air Cargo Cooperation, signed on the margins of the Micronesian Islands Forum.
“Their vision aligns with ours – a Pacific that is more connected, resilient and prosperous.”
He added Government also recognised the strategic importance of this direct service for the people of Nauru, many of whom relied on Suva for healthcare, education and diplomatic services.
“This route is not about competition. It is about connection. It ensures that Nauru’s citizens can access essential services, while strengthening the bonds between our nations.
“This is Pacific cooperation in its most practical and impactful form.
“Let this inaugural flight be the foundation for deeper ties, stronger partnerships, and a shared future of prosperity and opportunity across our region.”
Effective from August 28, Nauru Airlines will operate new Thursday service from Nauru to Suva’s Nausori International Airport.
Flight ON019 will depart Nauru at 2045hrs and arrive in Suva at 0015hrs the following day. A Friday return service from Suva to Nauru will operate as Flight ON020, departing Suva at 0115hrs and arriving in Nauru at 0450hrs.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: ‘The Star’ is back! Nauru Airlines’ new direct service restores vital link – Nawari in Page13 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Tuesday September 2, 2025
