In its latest step to rebuilding air capacity in the South Pacific region, Virgin Australia has relaunched nonstop services between Australia and Vanuatu today.
Utilising its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the Brisbane-Port Vila service will operate up to five times a week during peak periods and up to three times a week off-peak.
Flights from Brisbane (VA53) depart at 1040 and touch down in Port Vila at 1420, while return flights (VA56) depart VLI at 1510 and arrive in BNE at 1720.
Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the route was “an important and longstanding connection for Virgin Australia, which started flying between Australia and Vanuatu nearly 20 years ago”.
“It means Australians now have another wonderful Pacific Island destination just a short flight away and an opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty and culture of Vanuatu,” he remarked.
“This is also really positive news for Vanuatu which relies on connections like these as a source of tourism and to connect friends and family across the Pacific.”
“So much to explore”
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said Australian visitation to the island nation was on the rise “since Vanuatu’s borders reopened in July 2022, and greater connectivity to Vanuatu, thanks to Virgin Australia, will help us welcome even more holidaymakers to our shores in 2023 and beyond”.
“There’s so much to explore in Vanuatu, with life-changing adventures to be had no matter what a traveller’s interest,” she said.
“Virgin Australia has always been a valued partner to Vanuatu, and with non-stop flights from Brisbane to Port Vila, it’s now even easier for Australians to enjoy Vanuatu’s culture and islands, just 2.5 hours from Brisbane.
“We are excited to see more Australians answer the call of Vanuatu and look forward to seeing Virgin Australia’s red and purple in our skies again.”
To mark the event, Virgin Australia is offering return fares to Vanuatu from $459 (Economy Lite) until 3 April.
Earlier this month, VA returned to Samoa while this week it launched the first-ever direct flights between the Gold Coast and Bali.
