Fiji Airways will suspend its direct flights between Canberra and Nadi early next year, citing challenging market conditions.
According to a report by The Canberra Times, Fiji Airways informed affected passengers that the service would be suspended from February 5, 2027.
“Due to market conditions, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend our Canberra to Nadi services effective 5th February 2027,” the airline reportedly told a passenger booked to travel after that date.
Fiji Airways told The Canberra Times that travellers from Canberra would still be able to reach Fiji through its daily Sydney-Nadi services, which it said were already used by many Canberra passengers.
The airline described the decision as a suspension but did not provide a date for the route’s possible resumption.
The Canberra-Nadi route was launched three years ago with considerable fanfare and initially operated three times a week.
Canberra Airport Head of Aviation Michael Thomson said global uncertainty, rising aviation fuel prices and weaker demand for travel to the United States had affected the viability of the service.
“The impacts of global uncertainty, continued escalation of fuel prices and softer demand for travel to the United States have currently made the service challenging to sustain,” Mr Thomson told The Canberra Times.
He described Fiji Airways’ decision as disappointing but expressed hope the airline would eventually return.
“We thank Fiji Airways for its commitment to Canberra and look forward to welcoming them back when the economic conditions improve,” he said.
Mr Thomson said Canberra Airport remained focused on expanding direct international connectivity for the region.
Fiji Airways’ withdrawal will bring an end, at least temporarily, to Canberra’s direct air connection with Nadi, requiring Fiji-bound passengers to consider connecting services, including through Sydney.
