Direct flights to open from Sydney to French Polynesia

It is about to get a lot easier for Australians to fly to French Polynesia. 

Air Tahiti Nui this week announced an expansion of its international network with the launch of a new direct route between Papeete and Sydney. 

The new service is part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen long-term connectivity between French Polynesia and the major regional hubs of the South Pacific. Air Tahiti Nui previously used to serve Sydney until 2009.

The route is scheduled to launch on Monday, December 14. Air Tahiti Nui will operate two flights per week, providing travellers with a direct, regular and nonstop option between Tahiti and Australia. 

The new connection will significantly reduce travel time and simplify journeys between the two regions, travel news hub Travel Mole reports. 

French-accented Tahiti and its Islands have a growing appeal for Australian travellers with 8,165 Australian visitors in 2025. 

“We are very pleased to announce this new direct route between Papeete and Sydney," Lionel Guérin, CEO of Air Tahiti Nui, said. 

"With two direct flights per week and thanks to the code-share agreement with Qantas, this service will provide Australian travellers with greater comfort and more frequency options, especially when combined with our twice-weekly service to Auckland in New Zealand.”

Ticket sales are expected to open later this month. 

Travellers left stranded in Tahiti

There are worse places to be stranded, but hundreds of travellers have been left in limbo in French Polynesia.

A cabin crew strike by union members at Air Tahiti Nui has forced the cancellation of multiple flights.

The indefinite strike has seen Air Tahiti Nui flights to Auckland - which are codeshare services for Qantas customers.

It affects connecting flights to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth for those stuck in Tahiti.
Flights across French Polynesia are also impacted.

Cabin crew have walked out over pay and conditions.

“Each customer will be contacted individually as soon as a new departure option is found,” the airline said.

“Our teams are also actively involved in finding accommodation solutions to minimise the inconvenience.”

Full refunds are being offered for customers wishing to cancel their tickets - although their options are limited.

Flyers are being advised to confirm flights and to not check out of their accommodation until onward travel is confirmed.