The first direct Fiji Airways Nadi - Gold Coast flight has officially landed, marking the start of a new international service linking the region with Fiji, North America and beyond. 

The inaugural flight touched down at Gold Coast Airport (GCA) this afternoon, and passengers were welcomed with a cultural celebration in GCA’s international arrivals hall. 

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) CEO Amelia Evans joined VIPs on the first flight including Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah. 

“This marks a new chapter for the Gold Coast, so it was incredibly special to be onboard and experience firsthand the connection we’ve worked so hard to deliver,” Ms Evans said. 

“We continue to see growing demand for more international services from Gold Coast Airport, driven by the region’s growing population, affluence and global reputation. 

“Fiji is a popular destination in its own right and also an important hub, making it easier for international visitors to better access the Gold Coast from key markets like Los Angeles, Honolulu and Canada.  

“This is a valuable addition to our growing network, particularly as we look toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when Gold Coast Airport will play an important role as an international gateway.” 

Fiji Airways will operate the service three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using its Boeing 737 MAX 8, with both economy and business class options available.  

Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Scurrah, said today's inaugural service is a landmark moment for the airline and the Gold Coast community.  

“The Gold Coast shares Fiji's warmth, energy and spirit of adventure. Since announcing this route, demand has been exceptional with strong forward bookings and today that excitement finally becomes a reality. We are delighted to bring our world-class hospitality to every Gold Coaster who steps on board, and as we pursue our vision to become the world's happiest airline, this new connection is another proud step in that journey.” 

The new service, supported by the Queensland Government and Experience Gold Coast through the Connecting Queensland Fund, is expected to add more than 53,000 seats to the airport's international network, delivering an estimated $51million boost to the region’s economy each year.

Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to drive more direct international flights into Queensland. 

“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and direct flights from Nadi to the Gold Coast will make it easier for more visitors to experience this world-class destination,” Minister Powell said. 

“This route also adds another valuable international connection, with easy links through Fiji to the United States and Canada, helping bring even more visitors to Queensland. 

“More connections mean more people and more opportunity for our tourism industry. 

“Supported by our Connecting Queensland Fund, this route is more than a flight path – it’s a pathway to growth, unlocking new opportunities for international travellers and delivering a boost to local businesses.” 

“Today’s inaugural Fiji Airways flight into the Gold Coast is another exciting milestone, reinforcing our city as a truly global destination,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said. 

“This new route offers us the opportunity to capture a larger share of the growing Fijian market unlocking the many incredible experiences our beautiful region has to offer. 

“For the first time, travellers from North America and Canada will also have a direct link from Fiji into the Gold Coast. The region is a key market for our city with 51,000 visitors travelling to the Gold Coast in 2025, spending a total of $109 million.” 

Fiji Airways Nadi – Gold Coast flights are available from $599AUD return at FijiAirways.com.