Australians can today fly direct from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo, as Air Vanuatu celebrates the take-off of its service between the Queensland capital and Vanuatu’s largest island.
The once-weekly return service takes to the air on Thursdays, with flights departing Brisbane at 10am and arriving into Santo International Airport at 2.20pm. The return flight departs Santo at 3.20pm and arrives into Brisbane just under three hours later at 5.10pm.
The service sees an increase in total airlift capacity from Australia to Vanuatu and cuts travel time to Espiritu Santo by two and a half hours for Australians, who previously connected through Port Vila. Additionally, the service’s mid-morning departure time allows for easy southern state connectivity within Australia, while the arrival time makes for seamless connections beyond Luganville to northern islands like Malekula, Ambrym, Pentecost, Ambae, Banks and Torres Islands.
Air Vanuatu Acting CEO Joseph Laloyer said the airline is delighted to celebrate the service and gives thanks to its strong partnerships with the Vanuatu Government, as shareholders of Air Vanuatu, the Vanuatu Tourism Office, and Brisbane Airport.
“This service represents Air Vanuatu’s commitment to ensuring connectivity for our guests, as well as to Santo, its residents, and the entire tourism industry in Vanuatu’s north,” Laloyer said.
Since releasing the schedule for this service earlier this year, Air Vanuatu has seen strong interest from Australians looking to enjoy a few days of ni-Vanuatu hospitality in Santo and beyond.
“Air Vanuatu would like to thank its valued partners for their assistance in helping this service take off and looks forward to welcoming travellers onboard with its signature warm Pacific welcome.”
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said she is pleased to welcome more visitors to Espiritu Santo, with the service allowing Australians to fly directly to the island and beyond to experience all the region has to offer.
“Whether it’s exploring the wonders of the Champagne Coast, from Port Olry to Champagne Beach and the sensational blue holes, this direct service allows visitors to easily Answer the Call of Vanuatu,” said Issachar Aru.
“A journey to Santo is a sensory adventure; the idyllic island paradise sees repeat visitors year after year, each of whom is enthralled by its exquisite natural wonders and friendly locals.
“The service is a welcome boost for northern Vanuatu’s local tourism economy, as it continues to recover post-pandemic and since the country’s borders reopened just one year ago. We look forward to receiving even more Australians to Santo’s shores and showing them the very best of what Vanuatu has to offer.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation’s CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, added that the Queensland capital is ideally located and connected for Australians to explore Vanuatu.
“With Brisbane the only international airport with flights to Santo, Brisbane will be the world’s gateway for tourists on their way to this South Pacific haven,” said Mr de Graaff.
“Brisbane is the most connected Australian port to the Southwest Pacific with direct flights to 13 destinations.
“We look forward to Queenslanders discovering Santo, a little slice of international paradise which is less than three hours flying time away.”
Air Vanuatu operates direct services between Brisbane and Espiritu Santo every Thursday, with return fares starting at $590 per adult. Flights are operated by Solomon Airlines on behalf of Air Vanuatu.
