Fiji Airways will suspend its Nadi-Dallas service from 7 September due to high fuel costs and changing demand but will continue up to 11 weekly US flights via Los Angeles and San Francisco, with onward connections through American Airlines.
Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Paul Scurrah indicated the changes were coming in an interview with Travel Weekly at the recent Fiji Tourism Exchange.
Network updates include an A350 upgrade on Vancouver services and increased Hong Kong frequencies from September with Fiji Airways also seeing strong demand from Australia and New Zealand.
The carrier said the majority of impacted guests can travel on the same day via alternative arrangements connecting through our daily services via Los Angeles or via the airline’s San Francisco and Vancouver services.
“Fiji Airways has taken all necessary measures to ensure the impact on customers is kept to a minimum,” it said. Customers are being contacted directly with updated travel details expected to be finalised in the near future. Flexible options, including rebooking, credit, or refunds, are available where required.
It will continue to serve the US with up to 11 flights per week through its Los Angeles and San Francisco gateways, as well as offering onward connections across the US mainland gateways, including Dallas Fort Worth, through its partnership with American Airlines.
“These changes allow us to focus on markets where we are seeing the strongest and most sustainable demand, Scurrah, said.
“This includes the upgauge of our three weekly Vancouver services from the A330 to our flagship A350 aircraft effective 8 September, as well as increasing Hong Kong frequencies to up to four flights per week year-round from 22 September.
“At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining global connectivity for our customers.”
Resilient demand from ANZ
The airline noted that while global aviation continues to face significant cost pressures particularly with jet fuel prices more than doubling since the start of the year, Fiji Airways is seeing resilient demand, especially from key markets including Australia and New Zealand.
“Given Fiji has just hit an all-time visitor record for March, we know Fiji remains an attractive and accessible destination,” Scurrah said. “Our forward bookings continue to be encouraging and reflect a level of increased interest in Fiji as a safe and family friendly destination.
“Our priority is to maintain reliable services, manage costs responsibly, and ensure confidence in travel to Fiji remains strong.”
Fiji welcomed 71,765 international visitors in March 2026, marking the strongest March on record and reinforcing the destination’s growing appeal with travellers. Arrivals were up 12 per cent year‑on‑year, and 4 per cent ahead of March 2024, highlighting continued confidence in Fiji as a preferred South Pacific destination.
Australia and New Zealand continue to lead visitor growth, accounting for 43 per cent and 17 per cent of total arrivals respectively. Demand from these core markets remains strong, with Australians travelling in increased numbers, up 17 per cent year‑on‑year, and New Zealand arrivals up 15 per cent, reflecting Fiji’s ease of access and enduring appeal.
Tourism Fiji, industry partners, government and Fiji’s Tourism Action Group are working together to monitor global developments, the evolving fuel situation and proactively plan risk mitigation strategies.
Consistent brand and trade campaigns are leaning into Fiji’s positioning: ‘Fiji – where happiness comes naturally’ and emphasising Fiji’s familiarity and warm and welcoming culture.
“Fiji is open for business and operating as normal,” Tourism Fiji CEO Dr Paresh Pant said. “Visitors can continue to travel to Fiji with confidence. Our forward bookings and aviation capacity point to a positive and stable outlook as we move into our peak season.”
Tourism Action Group Chair Damend Gounder added that “despite global economic pressures, Fiji’s tourism industry is showing strong resilience, working collectively and proactively to sustain and grow the tourism momentum.”
