Fiji Airways has expanded its international offerings by launching its longest flight to date and its inaugural direct service from Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, to Nadi, Fiji. Operating initially three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, this new route marks a significant enhancement in connectivity, facilitating easier travel for passengers heading to the South Pacific.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, recognized as the second most connected airport globally, provides passengers of Fiji Airways with accessible links to numerous international destinations. Andre Viljoen, CEO and Managing Director of Fiji Airways, emphasized that this new route enhances access for U.S. travelers to Fiji and the surrounding South Pacific areas, while also benefiting Australia’s and New Zealand’s travel networks. According to Viljoen, up to 1,000 passengers could arrive in Fiji weekly through this service, significantly supporting the local tourism sector and fostering greater business collaborations between the two regions.
Sean Donohue, Chief Executive at DFW Airport, expressed excitement about adding Fiji to their expanding list of international destinations, which will enable nonstop access to this tropical enclave, further connecting it to over 250 global destinations available from the DFW hub.
The inaugural flight from Nadi, Fiji, which took 13 hours, successfully landed at DFW on December 10th, 2024, and was honored with a water cannon salute upon arrival. The first flight from DFW is scheduled to depart at 9:55 PM CST on the same day, arriving in Nadi at 5:20 AM local time on December 12th, 2024.
Utilizing a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 XWB, Fiji Airways is ensuring a high level of comfort with 334 seats available, including 33 lie-flat, aisle-access business class seats. This new service becomes the fifth direct route to North America for Fiji Airways, joining existing services from major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Vancouver.
Viljoen noted that the DFW route plays a crucial role in the airline’s strategy, providing essential access to over 250 cities worldwide and introducing exciting travel and business possibilities. This new addition is part of Fiji Airways’ larger initiative to expand its global network, which includes the planned launch of its 27th direct service to Cairns, Australia, in April 2025.
Furthermore, the airline is set to adopt American Airlines’ AAdvantage® loyalty program in the coming year and prepare for full membership in the oneworld® alliance by March 31, 2025, potentially offering travelers enhanced benefits.
To promote the new route, Fiji Airways is enticing travelers with return flights from Nadi to Dallas Fort Worth starting at $1,999 per person, available until December 17, 2024.
This launch presents a promising opportunity for travel enthusiasts and businesses alike, fostering an optimistic view of increased tourism and connectivity between the United States and Fiji. As more travelers gain direct access to Fiji’s beautiful islands, the potential benefits for both regions are evident, highlighting a positive future in global travel.
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