Virgin Australia Relaunches Its Popular Service To Vanuatu

Virgin Australia has resumed its popular direct flights between Australia and Vanuatu, significantly strengthening its Pacific connectivity.

Return flights from $459 are currently offered to encourage Australians to rediscover Vanuatu.

Virgin Australia’s return to the Pacific Island nation is the latest move in rebuilding its short-haul international network after the launch of services to Samoa and a brand-new Gold Coast-Bali route earlier in March. Upcoming short-haul international services will increase Virgin Australia’s international capacity by 50% between FY23 and FY24.

Direct flights from Brisbane to Port Vila will be available up to five times per week during peak seasons and three times per week during off-peak periods on the airline’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia stated that adding the island destination to Virgin Australia’s network gave holidaymakers more options when arranging a break right on their doorstep.

“This is an important and long-standing connection for Virgin Australia, which began flying between Australia and Vanuatu nearly 20 years ago,” he added.

“Australians now have another wonderful Pacific Island destination just a short flight away, as well as the opportunity to appreciate Vanuatu’s distinctive beauty and culture.”

This is also excellent news for Vanuatu, which relies on such connections for tourism and to connect friends and relatives throughout the Pacific.”

“Australian visitation has continued to rise steadily 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,” said Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office.

Vanuatu has so much to offer, with life-changing adventures to enjoy no matter a traveller’s interests. “We are excited to see more Australians answer the call of Vanuatu and look forwards to seeing Virgin Australia’s red and purple in our skies again.” With non-stop flights from Brisbane to Port Vila, it’s now even more accessible for Australians to enjoy Vanuatu’s culture and islands, just 2.5 hours from Brisbane.

Passengers travelling on the route will have access to a broad connection to the rest of Virgin Australia’s domestic and short-haul international networks through Brisbane.

With a 10.40 am departure from Brisbane, the flight schedule is ideal for leisure travellers.

With the company’s relaunch in November 2020, Virgin Australia’s short-haul international network has expanded to include Bali, Queenstown, Nadi, Port Vila, Apia, and Tokyo (Haneda), which will begin in June 2023.