The new flights were originally slotted to begin on May 25th, but unanticipated delays in improving the airport infrastructure have affected the schedule.

The new date was announced today by Air Pacific’s Managing Director & CEO, Dave Pflieger, who said airport authorities at Cassidy Airport on Christmas Island needed more time to prepare the airport.  “There is significant interest in the resumption of flights to Christmas Island amongst fishing, bird watching and diving enthusiasts the world over, and we are working closely with the Kiribati airport authorities to ensure the flights begin as soon as possible.  Air Pacific is looking forward to opening this important air route to make Christmas Island accessible from North America, the South Pacific and Asia.”

On behalf of the Government of Kiribati, the Secretary of Communications, Transport & Tourism Development of Kiribati, Ms. Teekoa Iuta Ietaake, said: “The re-commencement of Air Pacific services is eagerly anticipated as it promises opportunities to Christmas Island and Kiribati as a whole.”

The northbound schedule will provide connections from Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Tarawa, Tonga and Suva.  The Southbound flights will provide easy connections from Honolulu and Christmas Island back to Suva and next day connections to Tarawa, thereby linking the two principal centres of Kiribati.

Customers holding seats prior to 22 June are being contacted by the airline for accommodation on other flights.  Those customers scheduled to travel through between Nadi and Honolulu will have the choice of using one of the other two weekly services offered by Air Pacific on Sundays and Fridays.

The flight schedule is:

Nadi           -              Christmas Island     FJ822 Departs 11:59pm Tuesdays Arrives 6:35am Wednesdays
Christmas Island    -  Honolulu                 FJ822 Departs 7:35am Wednesdays Arrives 10:35am Tuesdays
Honolulu    -               Christmas Island    FJ823 Departs 12:00pm Tuesdays Arrives 3:00pm Wednesdays
Christmas Island    -   Nadi                       FJ823 Departs 4:00pm Wednesdays Arrives 6:40pm Wednesdays

Visas are no longer required for entry into Christmas Island, although immigration charges of AU$20 for departure will be applied.

Issued by:

Air Pacific Executive Office
Nadi, FIJI ISLANDS.
Tel: (679) 6737440        Fax (679) 6720512
Email: doreen@airpacific.com.fj