Air Tahiti Nui announced a service between Papeete and Sydney. The route will begin operating in December 2026, linking Papeete International Airport (PPT) and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), strengthening connectivity between Australia and French Polynesia.
About Air Tahiti Nui
Established in 1996, Air Tahiti Nui became the first international long-haul airline from French Polynesia. Currently the biggest shareholder is the Government of French Polynesia, owning 84.4%. The remaining shares are held by other investors.
The carrier is responsible for operating the world’s longest domestic flight, connecting Paris, France, and Papeete, on March 15, 2020. The Boeing 787-9 flew for 16 hours and 20 minutes, reaching the distance of 15,715 kilometres. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the airline saw this service as their only resort.
Three international destinations are served by the airline, the United States, Japan, and New Zealand. Domestically, there are flights to Paris and to Papeete International Airport, their hub. At this moment, they possess an all B787-9 fleet, composed of four aircraft.
Papeete and Sydney Flights
Initiating in December 14, 2026, the airline will resume flights between Papeete and Sydney, which previously existed until 2009. The flights will occur twice a week each way, departing from Papeete on Mondays and Tuesdays at 12:10, landing at 17:45, local time, in Sydney. Departures from Sydney will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 20:10, local time, landing at 6:25 in Papeete. Moreover, the service is a codeshare flight with Qantas.
The service between countries eliminates the need for travellers to fly with stopovers, and allows for a more comfortable and a nonstop journey. The carrier demonstrated interest in restarting the route as Australians have increasingly been seeking Tahiti as a holiday destination.
The addition of Australia on the company’s schedule is significant for their presence in Oceania. Besides the plan to service Australia two times per week, the carrier also flies to and from Auckland, New Zealand, with the same frequency.
Do you think this service will draw more tourism to Tahiti? Have you ever visited it? Tell us your answers in the comments.
