Air Tahiti Nui announces the opening of a direct route between Tahiti and Australia
Papeete, 03 March 2026
Air Tahiti Nui continues to develop its international network and announces the launch of new direct service between Papeete and Sydney (PPT–SYD).
This new service forms part of the airline’s strategy to sustainably strengthen French Polynesia’s connectivity with major regional hubs across the South Pacific.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for Monday, 14 December 2026. Air Tahiti Nui will operate two flights per week, offering travelers a direct, non-stop connection between Tahiti and Australia. This service will significantly reduce travel time and simplify journeys between the two destinations.
The planned flight schedule is as follows (subject to validation by airport authorities):
Day of operation | Origin | Departure time | Destination | Arrival time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, Thursday | PPT | 12:10 | SYD | 17:45+1 in winter season from 14-Dec-26 to 25-Mar-27 17:00+1 in summer season from 29-Mar-27 to 28-Oct-27 |
Tuesday, Friday | SYD | 20:10 in winter season 19:10 in summer season from 06-Apr-27 | PPT | 06:25 in winter season 06:05 in summer season |
The Islands of Tahiti continue to demonstrate strong appeal in the Australian market, which ranks among the destination’s most dynamic international segments. According to the latest provisional data from ISPF (Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française), French Polynesia welcomed nearly 279,000 visitors in 2025 — a new tourism record, continuing the positive momentum of recent years.
Australian demand remains encouraging. With approximately 8,165 visitors in 2025, Australia plays an important role in diversifying and strengthening tourism flows to the destination.
As a major Pacific hub, Sydney represents a strategic gateway for enhanced regional connectivity.
“We are very pleased to announce this new direct service between Papeete and Sydney,” said Lionel Guérin, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti Nui. “With two direct flights per week and our codeshare agreement with Qantas, this service offers Australian travelers greater comfort and additional frequencies, complementing our twice-weekly service to Auckland, New Zealand.”
Beyond passenger travel, the launch of the Papeete–Sydney service also creates new opportunities for freight transport, supporting the development of economic exchanges between Australia and French Polynesia.
As across its entire network, Air Tahiti Nui will offer an immersive travel experience on this new service, inspired by the spirit of its islands. Polynesian hospitality, delivered by the airline’s teams, will accompany each passenger on a journey defined by comfort, attentiveness, and warmth.
Tickets are now available to book. This new service marks a further step in the development of Air Tahiti Nui’s network and reinforces the direct connectivity of French Polynesia with major regional and international markets.
