Fiji Airways’ inaugural Adelaide flight takes off today

30 June 2017: Today marks the much-anticipated launch of Fiji Airways’ new non-stop service between Nadi and Adelaide, South Australia.

Passengers on the inaugural flight (FJ961) departed Nadi at 4:30pm this afternoon, arriving at Adelaide Airport tonight at 2030PM (ACST). The first Adelaide to Fiji flight (FJ960) is expected to depart at 2200PM (ACST).

The new route marks the fourth direct service from Australia and the first new route in this market in 10 years, with the full service airline already flying nonstop from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and CEO said: “This is an exciting day for Fiji Airways as it marks our expansion and growth in our most significant market, after Fiji. We are thrilled to now have a connection with South Australia, and along with getting more Fijians to experience that wonderful part of Australia - and having easier accessibility to friends and family there - we are looking forward to welcoming more South Australians to our beautiful home.”

Available year round, the new direct service will run twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays, making the timings also convenient for a long weekend away. Flying on the B737-800, the journey time is approximately 5 – 6 hours each way.

Mark Young, Adelaide Airport Managing Director, stated: “Fiji has always been a hugely popular destination with South Australian travellers, and Fiji Airways’ new link now makes it even more attractive. This also creates another one-stop connection with the US West Coast with the added bonus of being able to stopover in beautiful Fiji.”
He adds: “We also understand the new services have been embraced by South Australia’s strong Fijian community, who are excited about the direct link with Nadi bringing them closer to their family and friends.”

Hal Caldwell, Regional Director Australia for Tourism Fiji said: “The direct services to Nadi from Adelaide mean more Aussies beyond the eastern seaboard will easily be able to experience Fiji, which we’re really excited about. Australia is Fiji's top tourism market not only for its unique culture and the friendliest population on the planet but also, because it's so close. It's the perfect place for Aussies to enjoy an overseas holiday without the burden of jetlag. The Fijian tourism sector is ready and raring to extend a big bula welcome to South Australians."

Fiji Airways currently flies twice daily from Sydney, daily from Brisbane and five times a week from Melbourne, with onward connections to San Francisco (recently extended to year round), Los Angeles and Honolulu. The airline also codeshares with Qantas for passengers wishing to travel from other Australian capital cities.