Introduction to Fiji

9
min
Introduction to Fiji: How to get there

How to get to Fiji 

Fiji’s cluster of heavenly islands is located in the middle of the South Pacific, just East of Australia and North of New Zealand and can be reached easily from many destinations. You can fly directly and non-stop from Asia from Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo. From North America there are non-stop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Vancouver and Dallas Fort Worth. Australians have the choice to fly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Cairns and from New Zealand there are non-stopf flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Even from Tahiti there is a non-stop flight from Papeete to Nadi, operated by Air Calin.

By Air

Several airlines serve Fiji from Australia, New Zealand and from other Pacific Islands.

Air Calin

Air New Zealand

Air Vanuatu 

Jetstar 

Qantas

Solomon Airlines  

Virgin Australia     

Long-haul flights to Fiji are operated by Fiji Airways. 

Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways is Fiji’s national carrier and was founded by Harold George Gatty in 1947. Fiji Airways was originally named Katafaga Estates. They originally started off offering services between the Fijian Islands but quickly expanded internationally. Fiji Airways has beensoaring the skies for more than seven decades, representing Fiji as well as being the premier carrier in the South Pacific. Today Fiji Airways flies to 15 Countries, including Australia (6 ports), New Zeland (3 ports) the USA (3 ports), Canada, Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore) and the Pacific Islands. On 31 March 2025, Fiji Airways proudly became a full member of theoneworld alliance, joining 13 other world-class airlines including AlaskaAirlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia,Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc,Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines, along with over 20 affiliate members. Fiji Airways also codeshare agreements with the following airlines, Air India, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia, Qantas, Samoa Airways, Singapore Airlines and Solomon Airlines.

Fiji Airways will provide top tiercustomers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full memberairline such as:

  • Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including the     recently opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s     Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports
  • Priority check-in and boarding.
  • Earning and redeeming mile
  • Earning Tier Points.

Fiji Airways has adopted the AmericanAirlines award-winning AAdvantage® travel rewards programme as their frequentflyer programme, ensuring its most frequent travellers can now enjoy all thebenefits of oneworld alliance as AAdvantage® members.

1. Codeshare Partners: 

Fiji Airways serves 25 destinations in14 countries with direct services with 23 fleets. To expand and to provideglobal connection, Fiji Airways works closely with many of the world’s leadingairlines, as their code share partner, to ensure the journey is as smooth aspossible.  

Fiji Airways continues to work withour airline partners to ensure we are providing the highest level of serviceglobally.

For long-haul travelers from Europe, Asia and North America, the many Codeshare partners of Fiji Airways offer seamless connections to Fiji! 

Air India, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu, Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, JAL, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Solomon Airlines, Qantas

2. Fleet 

Fiji Airways operates a modern andefficient fleet, including:

  • Airbus     A350-900    
  • Boeing     737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX
  • Airbus     A330-200 and Airbus A330-300

For regional and domestic services, FijiLink—a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiji Airways—is the official domesticairline. Fiji Link serves domestic destinations such as Nadi (NAN), Suva (SUV),Labasa (LBS), Taveuni (TVU), and Kadavu (KDV), as well as regional Pacificroutes to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Fiji Link’s fleet includes:

  • ATR 72-600
  • ATR 42-500
  • De Havilland Twin Otter

You can find more information on FijiAirways fleet here- https://www.fijiairways.com/en-fj/book/our-fleet

Flying times

From To Duration
LondonNadi26 h
FrankfurtNadi26 h
MumbaiNadi29 h
SingaporeNadi10 h 15 min
Hong KongNadi10 h 15 min
Tokyo NaritaNadi8 h 30 min
Los AngelesNadi9 h 45 min
San FranciscoNadi11 h
HonoluluNadi6 h 45 min
DallasNadi13 h
VancouverNadi11 h 40 min
SydneyNadi4 h
BrisbaneNadi3 h 30 min
MelbourneNadi4 h 50 min
AdelaideNadi5 h 20 min
CairnsNadi4 h 10 min
AucklandNadi3 h
WellingtonNadi3 h 45 min
ChristchurchNadi4 h
PapeeteNadi4 h 25 min

International Airports

Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the principal gateway to Fiji and is situated 9km north of Nadi town on the west coast of Viti Levu. The international terminal has undergone a massive refurbishment and now offers an airport experience of international standard.

In the arrival area you can find ATMs, money exchange, telecommunication providers, a café and the offices of almost all ground handlers in Fiji. A taxi rank is just outside the arrival hall.

In the departure area you can find a brand-new coffee shop. In the departure lounge guests can find a choice of duty-free shops and food outlets. Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand operate new business class lounges.

Nausori International Airport (SUV) is situated 23km northeast of downtown Suva on the east coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. An easy 30 minutes’ drive from the country's capital, Suva, the main bustling centre for the South Pacific and home to many international and regional organisations.

Airlines operate domestic flights that will take you through to Nadi Airport to connect your international flights daily in less than 30 minutes.  There are also weekly flights connecting internationally to Nuku'alofa and Funafuti; and the domestic flights connecting the main islands  of Viti Levu to Vanua Levu.

By Sea

1. CRUISE SHIPS

Fiji is a popular destination for cruise travellers, offering a diverse range of experiences across its many islands. Major international cruise lines include Fiji in their itineraries, bringing visitors to vibrant ports such as Suva, Lautoka, and Savusavu. Passengers can explore bustling markets, immerse themselves in local culture, and enjoy breathtaking island excursions. With crystal-clear waters, world-class diving, and authentic Fijian hospitality, Fiji provides an unforgettable stop for cruise travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery in the heart of the South Pacific. Custom clearance for Cruise ships for guest who are disembarking is done in the ports of Lautoka and Suva.

2. YACHTING & SAILING 

Sailing through Fiji’s tropical warm waters is one of the best ways for a complete and immersive Fiji island experience, and there’s 333 of them! Passing through the South Pacific region on a yacht can be the adventure of a lifetime with some of the world’s most beautiful backdrops, however it is worth noting that the islands are also subject to their cyclone season during the warmer months from November through to April each year.

Guidelines for Yacht Captains, Owners, and Management Companies

Like all countries, Fiji has strict rules and processes for the arrival and operation of yachts in Fijian waters. Strict laws govern the entry of yachts into Fiji. Under Customs law in Fiji, it is a requirement that the Master of the vessel gives a minimum of 48 hours notification to Customs prior to arrival in Fiji. It is also necessary to provide this same 48-hour notice period to Ports Authority, Department of Immigration, Health and Biosecurity.

Regulations for Immigration stipulate that you must be cleared within 24 hours of arrival into Fiji waters. The ports of entry, through which you must arrive, are located in Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, Levuka and Rotuma. Vuda Marina falls under the Lautoka Wharf Boundary and clearance can also be made here during scheduled hours. 

Port Denarau is classed as a Port of Sufferance which allows vessels into the marina on a case-by-case basis. Prior application must be made through the Marina office no less than 48 hours in advance.

For more information about Ports of Fiji and requirements visit Fiji Ports and Fiji Shores & Marinas.

Immigration 

The list of nationalities that do not require visas can be found here. All crew or guests entering Fiji on one-way air tickets will need a letter issued by Fiji Immigration in order to board their flights. This can be obtained by emailing immigration.

Biosecurity

On arrival, Biosecurity will inspect the yacht. All fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen and dry goods need to be declared on a stores list. Most provisions are permitted into Fiji as long as they are not landed ashore. All garbage must be declared and will be removed on arrival and incinerated. For current details of restricted items email the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. Email: info@baf.com.fj

Health

A Health Department officer will board the yacht on arrival. If the yacht is coming from a malarial area or other country with mosquito-borne diseases, the officer will spray all non-airconditioned areas for mosquitoes. For more details contact Ministry of Health.

Importing Parts

Nearly all items being shipped to Fiji will be allowed into the country as Yacht Parts in Transit (duty free) provided they are going to be fixed to the yacht or added to the yacht's inventory. The only things that will attract import duty are alcohol and other high duty items. Contact Customs via email info@frcs.org.fj.

Port Denarau Marina or any yacht agent will be able to assist with the above by contacting them directly. If you haven’t picked up a copy, the annual Fiji Shores and Marinas guide is packed with excellent tips and useful advice for sailing the Fiji group.