Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu?

Qantas is one of the main full-service airlines offering direct flights to Vanuatu from Australia, making it a reliable option for travellers heading to the South Pacific.

Qantas operates non-stop flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), with an average flight time of around 3 hours. Services typically operate multiple times per week, with increased frequency during peak travel periods.

Passengers travelling on Qantas generally benefit from a generous baggage allowance, which usually includes at least one checked bag (up to 23 kg) on Economy fares, with higher allowances available on flexible tickets and for frequent flyers.

Additional baggage can be purchased in advance, which is strongly recommended, as excess luggage fees at the airport can be costly and availability may be limited.

Travellers must ensure they have all required documentation (such as the Entry Permit) before departure, as these are checked at check-in. If documents are missing or incorrect, boarding may be denied. Ensure you wise up on this using What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Vanuatu?

For travellers coming from elsewhere in Australia or internationally, Brisbane Airport serves as a major hub with excellent domestic and international connections, making Qantas a convenient option for adding Vanuatu to a broader South Pacific or island-hopping itinerary.

Find out more about arriving in Vanuatu in our guide, Arriving in Vanuatu: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process LINK#TT003.

Virgin Australia is another popular airline offering direct flights to Vanuatu, providing a comfortable and straightforward way to reach the islands from Australia.

Virgin Australia operates non-stop services from Brisbane (BNE) to Port Vila (VLI), with flight times of approximately 3 hours. Flights generally run several times per week, with schedules adjusted seasonally to align with demand during peak holiday periods.

Virgin Australia passengers typically receive a checked baggage allowance on most fares, though the exact allowance depends on the fare type booked. Travellers carrying extra luggage, such as dive gear or surf equipment, are encouraged to pre-purchase additional baggage online to avoid higher airport fees and potential space restrictions.

As with all international flights to Vanuatu, passengers must have the correct travel documentation before departure, including a valid passport and meeting entry requirements.

Brisbane’s strong domestic network also makes Virgin Australia a convenient choice for travellers connecting from other Australian cities.

Find out more about flying interisland from Port Vila in our guide, Domestic Flights in Vanuatu: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Jetstar Airways offers one of the most affordable direct flight options to Vanuatu, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers heading to the South Pacific.

Jetstar operates non-stop flights from Sydney (SYD) to Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), with an average flight time of around 3 hours and 15 minutes. Services typically run weekly or multiple times per week depending on the season.

As a low-cost carrier, Jetstar’s base fares generally do not include checked baggage, so travellers should carefully select baggage options during booking. Pre-booking baggage is strongly recommended, as airport rates are higher and availability may be limited.

Sydney is one of Australia’s largest international gateways, making Jetstar a convenient option for travellers connecting from other Australian cities or combining Vanuatu with a broader Pacific itinerary.

Find out more about flying into Vanuatu in our guide, Getting Here: How to Get to Vanuatu.

Solomon Airlines offers important international connections to Vanuatu from both New Zealand and Australia, including the only direct international flight into Espiritu Santo.

From New Zealand, the airline operates direct flights from Auckland (AKL) to Port Vila (VLI), with a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. Services operate several times per week, with schedules varying seasonally.

From Australia, Solomon Airlines runs non-stop flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Espiritu Santo (SON), allowing travellers to fly directly to Santo without transiting through Port Vila. Flight time is around 3 hours and 10 minutes, with limited weekly services, so early booking is recommended.

Checked baggage is typically included, though allowances depend on fare type and aircraft. Passengers travelling with excess or oversized luggage should arrange this in advance, as capacity on regional aircraft is limited.

With Auckland and Brisbane acting as major gateways, Solomon Airlines is a convenient option for travellers planning a multi-country South Pacific itinerary or heading straight to Espiritu Santo.

Fiji Airways is one of the most reliable regional carriers in the South Pacific, offering frequent direct flights between Fiji and Vanuatu.

The airline operates daily non-stop flights from Nadi International Airport (NAN) to Port Vila (VLI), with a short flight time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This makes Fiji Airways an excellent option for travellers transiting through Fiji or planning a multi-island South Pacific journey.

Most Fiji Airways international fares include a checked baggage allowance, with additional baggage options available for purchase. Given Fiji Airways’ role as a regional connector, it’s well-suited for travellers carrying dive gear, surfboards, or extended-travel luggage, though advance arrangements are recommended.

Nadi International Airport is a major Pacific hub with strong connections to Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Asia, making Fiji Airways one of the most flexible ways to reach Vanuatu from outside the region.

Travellers coming from New Caledonia can reach Vanuatu via direct regional flights operated by Air Calédonie, with international ticketing often handled through Aircalin.

These services operate non-stop flights from Nouméa (NOU) to Port Vila (VLI), with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Flights generally operate a few times per week, making them ideal for short regional hops or combining Vanuatu with New Caledonia in a single trip.

Baggage allowances vary depending on whether your ticket is issued through Aircalin or Air Calédonie, so travellers should carefully review baggage limits at the time of booking. Additional luggage and sports equipment may be accepted but are subject to aircraft capacity.

This route is particularly popular with travellers exploring the Melanesian region, as it provides a quick and scenic connection between two culturally rich island nations.

Now that you know about direct flights to Vanuatu, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about flying directly to this beautiful Pacific island nation!

Are there direct flights to Vanuatu from Australia?

Yes, there are direct flights to Vanuatu from several Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate regular direct services to Port Vila. Flight times range from 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes depending on your departure city.

Which airlines fly direct to Vanuatu?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Air Vanuatu are the main airlines offering direct flights to Vanuatu. Air New Zealand also operates direct services from Auckland. These airlines provide regular scheduled flights to Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila.

Can you fly direct to Vanuatu from New Zealand?

Yes, you can fly direct to Vanuatu from Auckland with Air New Zealand and Jetstar. The flight time is approximately 3 hours. These services operate several times per week, making New Zealand one of the most convenient gateways to Vanuatu.

How long is the flight from Sydney to Vanuatu?

The direct flight from Sydney to Port Vila takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. This makes Vanuatu one of the closest Pacific island destinations from Australia, perfect for a quick tropical getaway.

What is the main airport in Vanuatu?

Bauerfield Airport (VLI) in Port Vila is the main international airport in Vanuatu. All direct international flights arrive here, and it's located just 6 km (4 mi) from the city centre. The airport handles flights from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Fiji.