Virgin Australia will finish up its daily Cairns to Tokyo Haneda flights on 24 February 2025, announcing the shock move just a year after commencing operations on its only Asian service beyond Bali.
The decision comes due to several factors, but the carrier specifically highlights the slow recovery of inbound tourism from Japan, which sits at around 35 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Before then, from September 2024 to mid-November 2024, Virgin Australia will reduce its Tokyo schedule to six weekly flights during off-peak months to “consolidate” its schedule.
The move will leave Virgin Australia with only short-haul international services – currently to New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa.
The airline launched its inaugural Cairns-Tokyo Haneda flights in June 2023.
What it means for flyers
Affected customers travelling after 24 February 2025 can get their money back. Those who booked through travel agencies have been asked to contact their providers for refunds and alternative arrangements.
For customers travelling between September 2024 and mid-November 2024, impacted by schedule changes, Virgin Australia will offer alternative flights or refunds. Travel agents should inform customers of their options using waiver code BW000269, applicable for affected bookings.
“We sincerely apologise for the impact to your customers travelling to Tokyo on the affected services,” the airline said in a statement to the travel trade.
“We remain committed to providing your customers with great service and value onboard our remaining Cairns-Haneda service until 24 February 2025.”
After it pulls out of the service, Virgin Australia will continue offering up to 17 flights weekly between Australia and Japan through its partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Virgin says this partnership will ensure smooth connections for Japanese tourists to popular Australian destinations, including Far North Queensland. Virgin Australia operates up to 13 flights into Cairns daily from major Australian cities.
For more information, contact the Virgin Australia Agents Helpdesk on 13 67 37.
