Vanuatu Strengthens New Zealand Market Access with New Christchurch–Port Vila Flights

Port Vila, Vanuatu – 19 January 2026: Vanuatu Tourism Office Welcomes Expanded Solomon Airlines Services from New Zealand. The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) has welcomed the announcement of expanded year- round direct services to Port Vila operated by Solomon Airlines, significantly strengthening air connectivity between New Zealand and Vanuatu and delivering a major boost for the local tourism industry.

From 1 July 2026, Solomon Airlines will launch a new direct Christchurch – Port Vila service, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. This marks the first direct air link between the South Island and Vanuatu, opening an important new source market and improving access for South Island travellers seeking a tropical Pacific escape.

In addition, Solomon Airlines will introduce a fourth weekly service from Auckland to Port Vila from the same date. This expansion will deliver a total of six direct flights per week from New Zealand – four from Auckland and two from Christchurch – significantly increasing capacity and travel choice.

Flight schedules from 1 July 2026 are as follows:

Auckland – Port Vila

• Depart Auckland: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
• Depart Port Vila: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday
  

Christchurch – Port Vila

•  Depart Christchurch: Thursday & Sunday
• Depart Port Vila: Wednesday & Saturday

The expanded services will deliver approximately 900 seats per week, equating to 46,800 seats annually, representing a substantial increase from 17,400 seats in 2025. This uplift in capacity provides strong growth opportunities for accommodation providers, tour operators, transport services and the wider tourism sector.

Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO, Adela Issachar Aru, says the announcement is a major milestone for the destination.

“We are delighted to support Solomon Airlines as they continue to invest in the New Zealand market. The launch of direct services from Christchurch and the increased frequency from

Auckland significantly strengthens access to Vanuatu and supports long-term tourism growth,” says Mrs Issachar Aru. “This expanded connectivity opens new markets for Vanuatu, particularly from the South Island, and supports increased visitation across leisure, family and adventure travel segments.”

The enhanced air access also presents strong commercial opportunities for both New Zealand

and Vanuatu tourism businesses.

“With six direct services per week, Vanuatu is now easier to sell than ever before. This creates strong opportunities for our local operators, resorts, guides and transport providers to capture increased demand,” Mrs Issachar Aru adds.

To support the growth, Vanuatu Tourism Office will roll out a comprehensive famil programme throughout 2026, bringing New Zealand travel agents to experience the destination first-hand. These famils will showcase Vanuatu’s accommodation portfolio, experiences, attractions and culinary offerings, helping drive bookings and longer stays.

The new Vanuatu Industry Training Platform will also launch in February 2026, ensuring agents are well equipped to confidently sell the destination.

Vanuatu Tourism Office will further support the expanded services through trade engagement, cooperative marketing campaigns and ongoing training initiatives. The increased capacity reinforces Vanuatu’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the New Zealand market and driving sustainable tourism growth that benefits local communities and businesses across the destination.