Significant growth in visitor numbers from the United States is just one reason to celebrate Fiji Airways’ first year operating to Cairns, community leaders say.
Dignitaries gathered at Cairns Airport on Friday to commemorate the anniversary of the “game changer” service, lauded as a key contributor to recent regional opportunities in tourism, trade, education and engagement.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said sectors across Tropical North Queensland had experienced the positive impact of Fiji Airways’ year-round service direct from Nadi.
“Last year, the United States took the title as our region’s largest international source market and Canada also increased significantly, growing the overall North America market to 135,000 as at December 2025. This growth was supported by Fiji Airways’ seamless, one-stop connectivity, which reduced the flight time to just 16 hours and eliminated the need for travellers to stop in other Australian ports,” he said.
“Cairns is also home to thousands of Fiji diaspora, who have previously faced long and expensive journeys home. Fiji Airways has enabled more frequent family visits while saving significant travel cost and time. We have also seen increased participation in local sporting events like the Cairns 7s Rugby Tournament, which attracts teams from across the Pacific, plus a swell of locals enjoying Fiji as a new, accessible holiday destination.”
To celebrate the first-year anniversary, Fiji Airways is offering discounted return airfares, on sale for a limited time. From 9th - 17th April 2026, travellers can enjoy return fares from Cairns to Fiji starting from just $549. Travellers can also venture further afield with seamless one-stop connections via Fiji, with return fares from Cairns to North America available from $1099, the Pacific Islands from $909 and Japan from $999. Flights can be booked at FijiAirways.com or through participating travel agents. Sale fares apply to select travel dates and are available until sold out. Terms and conditions apply.
Cairns Airport will also recognise Fiji Airways’ contribution to Tropical North Queensland with the launch of the ‘365 Trees for 365 Days‘ campaign, in honour of Fiji Airways’ ‘Every Take-off, One Tree’ initiative where a seedling is planted for every international flight.
“To honour the 365 days that Fiji Airways has been part of our international network, Cairns Airport will plant 365 native plants. We will enhance local biodiversity and create a living legacy that grows year after year,” Mr Barker said.
Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul Scurrah said: "We are proud to mark one year of our Cairns service, which has strengthened connections between Fiji and Tropical North Queensland and supported tourism, trade, and community links. This route reflects the importance of strong partnerships and reliable connectivity through Fiji to North America and beyond.
We’re pleased to have inspired Cairns Airport’s ‘365 Trees for 365 Days’ campaign through our ‘Every Take-off, One Tree’ initiative, where each international flight supports mangrove planting, creating a shared legacy that benefits both our environments and communities.”
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the first anniversary of the service showed exactly why the Crisafulli Government backed stronger international connections for Far North Queensland.
“One year on, this service is delivering for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, strengthening our connection with North America and bringing more visitors straight to the region,” he said.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday and our Government is focused on backing the routes that bring more travellers through the gate.
“For American visitors, this flight opens the door to the very best of the Far North – riding world-class trails at Smithfield, rafting rainforest rivers or exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
“And it’s not just tourism – the service is also helping Far North Queensland exporters reach North American markets faster.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the direct service from Nadi to Cairns was a strong selling point in the North American market for both business and leisure travel.
“TTNQ’s campaign activity with trade partners to promote the route in the US generated 27,000 passengers in 2024-25 with 14 campaigns in market, including one with Fiji Airways which generated 4128 US passengers alone,” he said.
“We have confirmed six trade campaigns in the US this financial year to support the Fiji Airways service with the target of generating 12,500 passengers.”
To secure Fiji Airways’ discounted airfares, book between 9 - 17 April 2026 via fijiairways.com and participating travel agents. Sale fares apply to select travel dates and are available until sold out. Terms and conditions apply.
Highlight Fiji Airways sale fares include:
● Cairns to Nadi, Lite return fares from $549
● Cairns to Vancouver, return fares from $1199 (one-stop via Nadi, Fiji)
● Cairns to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Dallas Fort Worth, return fares from $1099 (one-stop via Nadi, Fiji)
● Cairns to Tonga or Samoa, return fares from $909 (one-stop via Nadi, Fiji)
● Cairns to Japan, return fares from $999 (one-stop via Nadi, Fiji)