Jetstar has launched its first direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila, Vanuatu, offering up to four weekly services and connecting travellers to the South Pacific island nation with more than 80,000 seats annually.
The new route will be serviced by the airline’s fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo LRs, offering a convenient flight time of approximately three and a half hours and comes on the heels of the collapse of Air Vanuatu earlier this year, which left a gap in air travel to the region that Qantas and Jetstar have swiftly moved to fill.
“Getting to this Pacific Island paradise is now easier and more affordable than ever with Jetstar offering the only direct flights from Sydney,” Jetstar Executive Manager, Customer Jenn Armor said.
Vanuatu says big welkam to Jetstar
Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office, welcomed the new service.
“This new direct service from Sydney makes travel to Vanuatu more accessible and affordable. With connections through Jetstar’s broader Australia domestic network, it’s never been easier for Australians to travel,” she said.
“Now is the perfect time to explore Vanuatu’s incredible value, diverse experiences and warm hospitality. From relaxing on untouched beaches, swimming in crystal-clear blue holes, diving and snorkelling in pristine waters, soaring through the air on a zipline, or savouring some of the best coffee in the Pacific, there’s something for everyone.”
“Visitors will be welcomed into our community-based way of life, offering authentic cultural experiences that leave a lasting impression.
“We can’t wait to welkam Jetstar customers to our shores this holiday season.”
This new service continues Jetstar’s expansion in the Pacific region, following the successful launch of flights from Sydney to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and from Melbourne to Fiji in recent years.
And to celebrate the new flights, Jetstar is offering one-way fares from Sydney to Port Vila (Vanuatu) from $199, though the sale ends soon on 13 December.
Flight schedule
The new route will operate a seasonal schedule, with flight frequencies varying throughout the year to align with peak travel periods.
Select peak periods
Flight JQ123
Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Route: Sydney (SYD) to Port Vila (VLI)
Departure Time: 10:20 AM
Arrival Time: 1:50 PM
Flight JQ124
- Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Route: Port Vila (VLI) to Sydney (SYD)
- Departure Time: 3:15 PM
- Arrival Time: 7:10 PM
Other periods
Flight JQ123
- Frequency: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
- Route: Sydney (SYD) to Port Vila (VLI)
- Departure Time: 10:20 AM
- Arrival Time: 1:50 PM
Flight JQ124
- Frequency: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
- Route: Port Vila (VLI) to Sydney (SYD)
- Departure Time: 3:15 PM
- Arrival Time: 7:10 PM
Travellers can expect to find a range of fare options, including flexible and budget-conscious choices, making travel to Vanuatu more accessible for a wider range of travellers.
According to Jetstar’s Armor, this launch marks a significant expansion for Jetstar in 2024, with the airline adding 14 new routes this year, “four of these launching within a fortnight this month”, she said.
This news comes after the collapse of Air Vanuatu and the subsequent pick up of the route by Qantas and Jetstar.
