Fiji’s national carrier takes flight on its first-ever direct service connecting the Gold Coast with Fiji and onward to North America and the Pacific
11 June 2026, Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways has today launched its inaugural direct service between Nadi International Airport and Gold Coast Airport, strengthening travel links between Fiji and one of Australia’s most popular leisure destinations.
The inaugural flight departed Nadi this morning and touched down at Gold Coast Airport at 11.30am AEST. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was among the distinguished guests onboard the historic first service, alongside Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans and Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah.
The flight was welcomed with ceremonial fanfare in the arrivals hall, where the Prime Minister and guests were received with a customary ceremony honouring the bonds of Vanua, culture and community. The ceremony marked a significant gesture reserved for first visits and important national occasions.
The return service, the first-ever Fiji Airways flight from the Gold Coast to Nadi, is scheduled to depart today at 12.30pm AEST. Travellers will experience a three-hour and 25-minute journey, where the holiday starts on board with award-winning service and warm Fijian hospitality, before touching down in Nadi at 5.55pm local time.
Known for its surf breaks, relaxed island lifestyle and family-friendly resorts, Fiji offers Gold Coast travellers an easy tropical getaway just a short flight from home.
The new service will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays aboard Fiji Airways’ modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, featuring eight business-class seats and 162 economy-class seats. The route will add more than 53,000 seats annually to the market.
The Gold Coast becomes Fiji Airways’ seventh Australian destination, expanding the airline’s network alongside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and Canberra.
The route also unlocks convenient one-stop connections through Nadi to Fiji Airways’ growing international network, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Honolulu and key Pacific Island and Asian destinations.
Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Scurrah, said today’s inaugural service is a landmark moment for the airline and the Gold Coast community. “The Gold Coast shares Fiji’s warmth, energy and spirit of adventure. Since announcing this route, demand has been exceptional with strong forward bookings and today that excitement finally becomes a reality. We are delighted to bring our world-class hospitality to every Gold Coaster who steps on board, and as we pursue our vision to become the world’s happiest airline, this new connection is another proud step in that journey.”
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) CEO, Amelia Evans said “This marks a new chapter for the Gold Coast, so it was incredibly special to be onboard and experience firsthand the connection we’ve worked so hard to deliver. We continue to see growing demand for more international services from Gold Coast Airport, driven by the region’s growing population, affluence and global reputation. Fiji is a popular destination in its own right and also an important hub, making it easier for international visitors to better access the Gold Coast from key markets like Los Angeles, Honolulu and Canada.
“This is a valuable addition to our growing network, particularly as we look toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when Gold Coast Airport will play an important role as an international gateway.”
Minister for Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to drive more direct international flights into Queensland.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and direct flights from Nadi to the Gold Coast will make it easier for more visitors to experience this world-class destination. This route also adds another valuable international connection, with easy links through Fiji to the United States and Canada, helping bring even more visitors to Queensland. More connections mean more people and more opportunity for our tourism industry.
“Supported by our Connecting Queensland Fund, this route is more than a flight path – it’s a pathway to growth, unlocking new opportunities for international travellers and delivering a boost to local businesses.”
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said, “Today’s inaugural Fiji Airways flight into the Gold Coast is another exciting milestone, reinforcing our city as a truly global destination. This new route offers us the opportunity to capture a larger share of the growing Fijian market, unlocking the many incredible experiences our beautiful region has to offer.
“For the first time, travellers from North America and Canada will also have a direct link from Fiji into the Gold Coast. The region is a key market for our city with 51,000 visitors travelling to the Gold Coast in 2025, spending a total of $109 million.”
