Qantas puts Pacific destinations on sale

Fancy a Pacific island break? 

Qantas today launched a sale across its Pacific network with more than 18,000 discounted seats to eight island destinations including Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Samoa and Norfolk Island.

The sale comes as Australians continue to head to the islands in record numbers, with more than 430,000 trips taken to Fiji in 2025-26, an increase of more than 5% on the previous year. 

The week-long sale includes economy return fares from $579 from Brisbane to Port Vila, with travel available on select dates between January and September 2027, including the drier months from May to September. 

Australia is Vanuatu’s largest source of visitors, with the Vanuatu Tourism Office reporting its highest monthly arrivals from Australia on record in January 2026, Qantas said in its media release.

Other economy return fares start from $599 from Sydney to Fiji, $599 from Brisbane and Sydney to Norfolk Island, and $609 from Brisbane to Noumea in New Caledonia. 

“The islands of the Pacific have long been a favourite escape for Australians and this sale brings eight of them into closer reach with fares from $579 return," said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace:

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“From a winter break on Norfolk Island and a week in Fiji to diving in Palau and Vanuatu, there’s something here for every kind of island getaway, whether it’s a couples’ escape, a family holiday or a trip with friends. 

"With travel dates through to September 2027, it’s a great chance to lock in a break for the year ahead.”

Qantas fares include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and inflight entertainment.

Sale fares are for various travel dates between November 2026 and September 2027 with select blackout periods. 

Image: Lomani Island, Fiji. Supplied. 

Virgin Australia re-boots flights to Samoa

Virgin Australia has resumed flights to Samoa with up to two flights a week between Sydney-Apia and Brisbane-Apia.

Virgin has also launched a 72-hour Samoa sale, with return airfares available from $549 (economy lite).

Both routes will be serviced by Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the return was welcome news for travellers across the Pacific.

“There is a strong Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market in Samoa," he said. 

“It’s an exciting step in the rebuilding of our short-haul international network and comes ahead of our return to Vanuatu later this month.

“Samoa is well-known for its rich culture and friendly locals and has been a popular destination in the Virgin Australia network since 2005.”

Samoa Tourism Authority CEO Pativaine Petaia-Tevita said: “The return of Virgin Australia flights from Australia to Samoa is wonderful news for the nation, boosting collective efforts to rebuild and recover Samoa’s visitor economy.

“With a diverse flight schedule it means more and more travellers will be able to make their way to us to experience Fa`a-Samoa, our beautiful culture and way of life.”

For more information or to book, visit virginaustralia.com.