Air Vanuatu launches non-stop flights between Melbourne and Port Vila

Commencing 17 June 2019, the new route will be the only direct connection between Melbourne and Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu's national carrier, today announced the launch of a new non-stop service between Melbourne, Australia and Port Vila. Commencing 17 June 2019, the new flight will be the only direct service between the two cities, expanding the airline's offering in Australia and providing greater access to Vanuatu.

With tickets now available to book, Air Vanuatu will operate three direct flights per week from Melbourne with onward connections to 28 destinations across Vanuatu.

Derek Nice, Air Vanuatu's Managing Director and CEO, said he is thrilled to be launching the only direct service between Melbourne and Vanuatu.

"The launch of this new route will be particularly exciting for people living in Melbourne who have already discovered the wonders of Vanuatu and can't wait to come back. They can travel non-stop, on conveniently timed flights, giving them more time in our island paradise." said Mr Nice.

"Subject to regulatory approval, we are also pleased to add code-sharing with Qantas on the new services between Melbourne and Port-Vila from 17 June 2019.
"When operations commence, Air Vanuatu flight NF7 will depart Melbourne (MEL) at 07.00 (local time) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays arriving in Port Vila at 12.30 (local time), with a flight time of just over 4 hours. The return flight NF8 will depart Port Vila at 16.15 (local time) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Melbourne at 20:15 (local time).
Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office, welcomes the news and looks forward to welcoming even more Australian travellers to our shores."
"Like the Ni-Vanuatu people a holiday in Vanuatu is, full of fun with a sense of that cheeky spirit delivered with a big Ni-Vanuatu smile. Adventure, in its many forms, is what Vanuatu does best. From the fire and fury of an active volcano to the vivid colours of tropical reefs; from vast swathes of untouched rainforest to incredible blue holes and the soothing sound of waves lapping on the shore. Now only over 4 hours flight time from Melbourne now is the get to Vanuatu on your bucket list."

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Simon Gandy said he was pleased to welcome Air Vanuatu to Melbourne, giving travellers easy access to a new holiday destination.

"We are delighted to welcome back Air Vanuatu to the Melbourne Airport family. This new direct service adds the exciting destination of Port Vila, Vanuatu, to our schedule allowing Melburnians to explore the capital city's colourful mix of shops, restaurants, markets and beaches," said Mr Gandy.

"Port Vila is also a hub for Air Vanuatu, which gives travellers the ability to fly to 28 destinations on the airline's extensive domestic network.

"We know the South Pacific islands are popular with our travellers, so it's great to introduce this non-stop flight on a full-service carrier, making the journey easier for people in both Melbourne and Port Vila."

Air Vanuatu is also increasing flights to and from Auckland, New Zealand from three to six services a week. Linking Auckland to Port-Vila on Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during peak season, these additional services will provide more flexibility for New Zealanders and increase connecting flight options for long-haul travellers.

Special Fares

To celebrate the launch of this new and expanded service, Air Vanuatu is offering a special fare of AUD$649/pp or 45,000vt/pp return between Melbourne and Port Vila for travel between 17 June through to 31 December 2019 - Blackout dates apply*

NZD$556 return between Auckland and Port Vila when booking until 28 February 2019 for travel between 01 April and 16 June 2019.

Promotional fares are also currently available for sale between Port-Vila and Sydney, Brisbane, Noumea and Nadi until 08 February 2019.