Fiji Airways will fly a new direct route between Cairns in Australia and Nadi with the inaugural flight on April 10 next year, the airline has announced.

The thrice-weekly service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

This will be the first time travellers from Tropical North Queensland can fly directly to Fiji and the flight offers seamless connections to South Pacific and North America.

The new route will add 53,000 seats a year into the market and expands Fiji Airways’ global network, offering Australians and tourists convenient access to the Northern Hemisphere.

It is estimated the airline will carry up to 26,593 inbound passengers every year on the new service, generating more than AU$12 million per year in overnight visitor spend and creating 130 direct and indirect peak jobs.

André Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways said the new route marks the sixth direct service from Australia to Fiji, creating new opportunities for travel.

“Our new service to Cairns is a further step in our network expansion, providing more travel options and enhanced connectivity for our customers,” he said.

“Northern Australia holds a special allure for many of our travellers and we’re proud to bring them closer to it.

“This route also offers convenient onward connections from Cairns to Dallas via Nadi, making it easier than ever for travellers to access North America.”

To celebrate the announcement, Fiji Airways is offering return flights from Cairns to: Nadi from just AU$539 Lite return, Los Angeles/ San Francisco, via Fiji from AU$999 Value return, Dallas Fort Worth, via Fiji from AU$1,099 Value return.

Richard Barker, Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, called the announcement “a game changer for our region.”

“Not only does it open the South Pacific to locals as a great holiday destination or to visit loved ones but maximising the growing network of Fiji Airways means fast, one-stop connectivity to North America via its hub in Nadi.

“Destinations such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are now just 16 hours away, slashing nearly three hours of travel time via an Australian domestic port.”