© Tourism Fiji
© Tourism Fiji

The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji

© Tourism Fiji

Flying in Fiji: Local and Domestic Flights

In an archipelago of some 330 islands, it’s almost a given that you’ll be doing some overwater travel in Fiji. While ferries and cargo boats are an option for getting around the islands, nothing beats the speed and convenience of flying. In Fiji, travellers not only have the option of domestic airlines taking them from airport to airport and island to island but there are small charter planes, seaplane and helicopters which are an experience in themselves. Find out more about each method of flying in this complete guide to flights in Fiji.

7 Things to Know About Flying in Fiji

  • The airports aren’t the only places you can fly to in FijiHelicopters take passengers to land on resort helipads or beaches, while seaplanes take passengers to the waters right outside of waterfront resorts!
  • Scheduled flights are the cheapest way to fly -Check out the typical price of flights in How Much Does it Cost to Fly in Fiji?
  • Baggage allowances are limited on domestic flights – The most restrictive baggage allowance is on helicopters and scheduled domestic flights, which are usually around 15kg (33lb) per person. Helicopter operators can organise a luggage transfer by boat for an extra fee, while domestic flights can be upgraded to an international baggage allowance if booking your international and domestic flights together. Seaplane flights usually have a baggage allowance of around 20kg (44lb)
  • Seaplanes are not for everyone – Take-off and landing can be pretty bumpy, which often makes nervous flier more nervous. What’s more, passengers will need to be able to climb into a boat or paddle through water for a short distance to get to land, which doesn’t make seaplanes suitable for people with recent injuries or mobility issues
  • Get travel insurance in case your flight is cancelled – A common cause for flights to cancel is when the weather is unsuitable to fly. In these cases, flights are rescheduled. If that doesn’t work for you, it’s best to have some travel insurance so you are able to get your money back. Flight companies will provide a letter for the insurer.
  • There needs to be at least two passengers for flights to run – The minimum number of passengers required for helicopter and seaplane flights to run is two. If you’re travelling solo, you may have to pay single passenger rates or wait on standby until more seats on your chosen flight are filled.
  • Choose carefully between helicopters and seaplanes – While both helicopters and seaplanes are a fun way to get between the islands of Fiji, note that they both have their drawbacks. See our full comparison of the two in Helicopter Vs. Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.
The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji© Pxhere

The Airports in Fiji

There are two main airports in Fiji: Nadi International Airport and Nausori International Airport in Suva. While domestic airports can be found all over the islands, facilities are basic and limited. Although flights and charter planes, however, use airports and airfields, the location of airports in Fiji doesn’t restrict the number of destinations that seaplanes and helicopters can go to.

Nevertheless, if you’re interested in airports that as serviced by flights, head to What Are the Airports in Fiji?

The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Domestic Flights in Fiji

There are two main domestic airlines with scheduled flights within Fiji, Fiji Airways (otherwise known as Fiji Link) and Northern Air. Flights are available to all regions of Fiji, connecting to either Nadi International Airport or Nausori International Airport (Suva).

Domestic Flight Destinations

Fiji Airways offer flights between Nadi Airport and airports in Labasa, Taveuni, Kadavu, Savusavu and Suva. They also do flights between Suva and airports in Kadavu, Taveuni, Koro, Cicia, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba and Nadi.

Northern Air offer flights between Nadi and Suva to the destinations of Taveuni, Savusavu, Labasa, Levuka and Moala.

The Cost of Domestic Flights in Fiji

To give you a rough idea of the cost of taking a domestic flight in Fiji, here are a few typical prices for popular routes:

  • Nadi to Suva – FJ$220-$250/adult, FJ$160-$180/child
  • Nadi to Savusavu – FJ$450-$500/adult, FJ$340-$400/child
  • Nadi to Taveuni – FJ$550-$600/adult, FJ$420-$500/child
  • Nadi to Kadavu – FJ$400-$450/adult, FJ$300-$350/child
  • Suva to Lakeba – FJ$540-$600/adult, FJ$400-$450/child

Compare more prices in How Much Does it Cost to Fly in Fiji?

The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji© Pxhere.com

Charter Plane and Seaplane Flights in Fiji

For those wishing to reach island regions like the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands, or perhaps a more intimate flight experience, charter planes and seaplanes provide another way to fly in Fiji. Either running on loose schedules every hour or chartered specifically for your group, time and destination, planes and seaplanes add a touch of luxury to your trip. Learn more about taking a plane in Fiji in Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji.

Charter Plane and Seaplane Destinations

Island Hoppers Fiji offers charter plane flights between Nadi Airport and Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Islands, the Pacific Harbour, Savusavu Airport on Vanua Levu, Matei Airport on Taveuni, Nausori Airport in Suva and on Kadavu island.

Pacific Island Air offers both plane and seaplane flights between Nadi Airport and destinations in the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawa Islands, along the Suncoast, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, the Pacific Harbour and Kadavu.

Turtle Airways offers seaplane flights between Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi and resorts in the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands.

The Cost of Plane and Seaplane Flights in Fiji

Here’s a rough idea of the cost of flights to popular plane and seaplane destinations. Note that there are vast price differences determined by the sporadic location of islands in the Mamancuas and the Yasawas.

  • Nadi to the Mamanuca Islands – FJ$450-$600/adult
  • Nadi to the Yasawa Islands – FJ$800-$1,000/adult
  • Nadi to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa – FJ$1,200-$1,500/adult
  • Nadi to Taveuni – FJ$11,800-$12,000/adult

Compare more prices in How Much Does it Cost to Fly in Fiji?

The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji© Pexels

Helicopter Flights in Fiji

The final and most luxurious mode of air travel in Fiji is a transfer by helicopter. Fiji has a small selection of helicopter operators servicing the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawa Islands, regions of Viti Levu, as well as Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Helicopters have the advantage of dropping passengers off right at the doorstep of resorts. However, helicopters generally don’t take passengers on longer-distance flights and have limited baggage allowances. See Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji for more information.

Helicopter Destinations

Islands Hoppers Fiji transfers passengers between Nadi Airport and the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, Denarau, the Coral Coast, the Suncoast and the Pacific Harbour and Beqa.

Heli-Tours Fiji transfers passengers between Nadi Airport and the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, the Coral Coast and the Pacific Harbour and Beqa.

Pacific Island Air transfers passengers between Nadi Airport or the Denarau Helipad to the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, the Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour & Beqa, the Suncoast and Vanua Levu.

Savusavu Helicopters transfers passengers between Savusavu Airport and resorts across Vanua Levu, Taveuni and to Labasa Airport. [Update: Savusavu Helicopters is no longer operating].

The Cost of Helicopter Flights in Fiji

Here are some typical prices for helicopter transfers in Fiji. Note that prices vastly differ between islands within the same island group due to their sporadic locations.

  • Nadi to the Mamanuca Islands – FJ$450-$1,200/adult
  • Nadi to the Yasawa Islands – FJ$1,200-$1,600/adult
  • Nadi to the Coral Coast – FJ$1,200-$1,800/adult
  • Nadi to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa Island – FJ$1,500-$1,900/adult

Compare more prices in How Much Does it Cost to Fly in Fiji?

The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji© Tourism Fiji

Scenic Flights and Tours in Fiji

While some travellers don’t require overwater transport to get to their resort in Fiji, it doesn’t mean they have to miss out on a scenic flight experience. Both Fiji’s seaplane and helicopter companies offer scenic flight tours and day trips. Skydiving is also available in Fiji, combing adrenaline thrills with a scenic flight over the islands.

Scenic Flights and Tours Destinations

Most scenic flights in Fiji depart from either Nadi Airport, Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi or in Denarau, all of which are on the island of Viti Levu. There is one helicopter operator on Vanua Levu. Learn more about the scenic flights and day trips available in 10 Best Scenic Flights in Fiji.

The Cost of Scenic Flights and Tours in Fiji

Scenic flights in Fiji range from 10 minutes to 55 minutes, increasing in price the longer the flight is. Day trips include return flights, as well as extras like lunch and various activities. Take a look at The Guide to Plane Tours in Fiji for some typical day trip inclusions. As for typical prices, here’s what to expect:

  • Scenic helicopter tour for 10 minutes – FJ$200-$320/adult
  • Scenic helicopter tour for 25/30 minutes – FJ$550-$690
  • Scenic helicopter tour for 40 minutes – FJ$830
  • Scenic helicopter tour for 55 minutes – FJ$1,200
  • Seaplane Day Tour – FJ$850-$1,700
  • Skydive from 14,000ft – FJ$800-$850

Compare more prices in How Much Does it Cost to Fly in Fiji?

More About Flights in Fiji

That’s it from the guide to domestic flights in Fiji. Check out more transport options around the islands in our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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