Virgin Australia has resumed its direct services to Vanuatu, with the airline’s first flight to Port Vila taking off from Brisbane after three years. The move comes as part of the airline’s plan to expand its connectivity to the Pacific Islands, rebuilding its short-haul international network. Return fares are currently on sale from $459 (Economy Lite) to encourage Australians to rediscover Vanuatu.

The airline will operate up to five weekly flights between Brisbane and Port Vila, making it convenient for leisure travellers. Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft will fly direct services from Brisbane to Port Vila up to five times a week during peak periods and up to three times weekly in off peaks.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the move was an essential and longstanding connection for the airline. “This is also really positive news for Vanuatu, which relies on connections like these as a source of tourism and to connect friends and family across the Pacific,” he said.

Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said the airline’s non-stop flights from Brisbane to Port Vila made it even easier for Australians to enjoy Vanuatu’s culture and islands, which are just 2.5 hours from Brisbane. “We are excited to see more Australians answer the call of Vanuatu and look forward to seeing Virgin Australia’s red and purple in our skies again,” she said.

Guests travelling on the route can access extensive connectivity through Brisbane to the rest of the Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international network. The flight schedule is well suited to leisure travellers, with a 10.40 am departure from Brisbane.

Virgin Australia’s short-haul international network has expanded since the business relaunch in November 2020. It now includes Bali, Queenstown, Nadi, Port Vila, and Apia, as well as Tokyo (Haneda), which will commence in June 2023.

For more information and to book, visit the Virgin Australia website. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Vanuatu’s unique beauty and culture, just a short flight away from Australia.

Written by: Anne Keam

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