In a positive sign for travel to Vanuatu, Qantas will more than double flights between Brisbane and the South Pacific nation’s gateway Port Vila over the coming months.
Qantas confirmed the move to Karryon, saying it was making adjustments to its current schedule.
According to the airline, from 1 May, frequency between the Queensland and Vanuatu capitals will increase from three to four flights per week.
“To align with the school holidays, from 23 June, there will be daily flights between Brisbane and Port Vila,” it added.
The flying kangaroo service is operated by Alliance Airlines, using an Embraer E190 aircraft.
Flight QF353 departs BNE at 10.20am and arrives in VLI at 2.10pm. Return flight QF354 leaves VLI at 3.05pm and touches down in Queensland at 5.15pm.
Virgin Australia (daily) and Solomon Airlines also fly between Brisbane and Port Vila, while Qantas subsidiary Jetstar offers a three-times-weekly service between Sydney and Port Vila.
Last year, national carrier, Air Vanuatu entered voluntary liquidation. The airline has since recommenced domestic flights.
Aussies returning
Despite being rocked by two major earthquakes at the end of 2024, Australians are still travelling to Vanuatu in large numbers, say tourism authorities and a major travel agency specialising in holidays to the country.
“Vanuatu is open, welcoming visitors and seeing strong momentum in bookings for 2025,” Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said, in a Karryon exclusive last month.
“Importantly, 80 per cent of our tourism operators were minimally impacted and resumed operations within days of the earthquake, with popular tours, restaurants and accommodations ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.”
My Vanuatu, which specialises in travel to the Pacific nation, echoed VTO’s remarked, telling Karryon that bookings to the country were surging.
“Since the earthquake in December 2024, we have continued to see demand for travel to these breathtaking islands soar,” My Vanuatu CEO Ryan Thomas said.
“While some areas of Port Vila remain closed during this time, the natural wonders beyond the town are more than enough reason to visit, not to mention the other islands such as Tanna and Espiritu Santo.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises Aussies to exercise normal safety precautions in the island nation.
