Air Vanuatu launches weekly Brisbane-Espiritu Santo flights
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.
Latest News
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
Pan-African global travel showcase, Africa’s Travel Indaba, kicks off at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) on Monday, running to 16 May. Durban remains a top destination for both leisure seekers and business travelers. Collaborating with Durban, the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has bolstered security measures, particularly in tourist hotspots and around the […]
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
In a world-first in cruising, APT’s soon-to-launch European river ships will feature a state-of-the-art hydraulics system that will raise an entire restaurant and bar up to meet an expansive open sun deck while the ships are docked. In an exclusive announcement made at a special launch in Sydney today (Thursday, 9 May), the almost 100-year-old […]
Air Vanuatu cancels all flights to Australia, files for insolvency
Hundreds of passengers have been stranded across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand after Air Vanuatu cancelled a slew off flights across the region. Riddled with technical faults over the last year, Air Vanuatu filed for insolvency on Monday and has cancelled flights to and from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland until at least Sunday. The Vanuatu […]
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Save your money and travel and go solo, just don't spend it all buying friends at the bar.
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad's giving you free hotel stays on your stopover while Qantas pays fines for ripping people off.
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.