Fiji Airways has finally and excitingly announced the introduction of the first ever non-stop flights between Nadi, Fiji, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas, USA, commencing in December 2024.

The mooted services were the talk of the recent AHICE Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit, hosted by Tourism Fiji, Wayfarer and sister magazine HM, and will provide a massive boost for both visitors to Fiji and travellers to the USA alike.

The new non-stop 13-hour service will operate three times per week every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday utilising Fiji Airways’ state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft.

The aircraft will feature 301 economy class seats, which recently won Best Economy Class in Australia and Pacific at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards 2024, and 33 business class lie-flat, all aisle access, seats.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on 10 December 2024 and Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, said he was thrilled to finally announce the launch of Dallas Fort Worth flights.

“Introducing a direct service between Fiji and Dallas Fort Worth is a really exciting milestone for Fiji Airways, as we continue to increase Fiji’s connectivity with the United States and beyond, offering our guests more travel options,” he said.

The new service to Dallas Fort Worth will complement various other initiatives announced by the airline recently, including its plans to join the American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program in the coming year and becoming the 15th full member of the oneworld alliance in 2025.

When flying with Fiji Airways, American Airlines AAdvantage and oneworld members will soon be able to earn and burn frequent flyer miles, and earn status credits, further enhancing the airline’s offering in terms of connectivity and loyalty.

“The Fiji-Dallas Fort Worth service will make it easier than ever for North Americans and AAdvantage members to holiday in the South Pacific, adding more than 1,000 seats a week from North America to the pristine shores of Fiji,” Viljoen said.

To celebrate the announcement, Fiji Airways has launched special introductory return airfares between Fiji and Dallas from Fiji Airways points in Australia and New Zealand to Dallas starting from just AUD 1,599 from Australia and NZD 1,199 from New Zealand.

Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Hon Professor Biman Prasad, expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement.

“Fiji Airways’ new direct route to Dallas Fort Worth is an exciting development for Fiji and will help pave the way for expanded opportunities in tourism and trade between our two nations.

“Dallas Fort Worth has immense potential as a new source market for Fiji’s tourism industry, with DFW International Airport currently ranked the third-busiest airport in the world and the state of Texas home to some of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.”

Dallas Fort Worth will be Fiji Airways’ 24th international direct destination and will be the fifth North American port served by the airline, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver.

“Travellers to and from Dallas Fort Worth will experience our award-winning service and warm Fijian hospitality in the comfort of our modern A350 aircraft with lie-flat business class seats and generous space in economy,” Viljoen said.

He said flights to, from or via Dallas Fort Worth are subject to US Government regulatory approvals.