Why are flights to Vanuatu so expensive in 2026?
The short answer: Vanuatu’s national airline collapsed, and no one has filled the gap.
In mid-2024, Air Vanuatu went bust and grounded its planes. This wiped out about half the seats available on flights from Australia to Port Vila. That’s the connection every European traveler needs to make. With fewer seats and the same demand, prices shot up.
Here’s what a London to Port Vila return looks like for late 2025: around €2,300. Back in 2019, you’d pay closer to €1,500. The kicker? A huge chunk of that increase comes from the short final hop. The 3.5-hour flight from Sydney to Vanuatu alone can cost €850 return—far more than similar routes like Sydney to Bali.
Three things are working against you. First, airlines like Qantas and Jetstar now control most seats to Vanuatu, so there’s little pressure to drop prices. Second, flights from Europe to Australia are pricier because planes must avoid the Russian airspace ban, adding hours and fuel costs. Third, unrest in nearby New Caledonia has made routing through Nouméa unreliable, removing a cheaper backdoor option.
The outlook: Don’t expect bargains soon. A global aircraft shortage means airlines can’t easily add flights. Prices may ease slightly if Vanuatu’s restructured carrier gets airborne, but a return to 2019 fares is unlikely before 2026 at the earliest.
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You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to Vanuatu — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Europe for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- London (LHR) — UK
- Paris (CDG) — France
- Amsterdam (AMS) — Netherlands
- Madrid (MAD) — Spain
- Frankfurt (FRA) — Germany
- Rome (FCO) — Italy
- Athens (ATH) — Greece
- Vienna (VIE) — Austria
- Zurich (ZRH) — Switzerland
- Warsaw (WAW) — Poland

Departure airports in Europe and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.

Superdeals to Vanuatu
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ATC monitors thousands of routes from Europe 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Europe to Port Vila costs €1,500+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around €600:
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Travel hacks and insights
for Europe — Vanuatu flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Vanuatu.
Strict biosecurity fines apply
Vanuatu enforces strict biosecurity similar to Australia. Undeclared food, seeds, or plant products attract on-the-spot fines. Do not bring fresh fruit or unsealed food from your flight into the country.
Packaged snacks are usually fine but must be declared on the arrival card. If in doubt, declare it. The quarantine officers at Bauerfield airport check bags thoroughly via X-ray upon arrival.
Fiji Airways routing saves €300-500 vs Qantas
Booking Europe to Vanuatu via Fiji Airways (connecting in Nadi) consistently undercuts Qantas and Air New Zealand routings by 20-30%. A typical London-Los Angeles-Nadi-Port Vila itinerary prices around €1,600-1,800 return, compared to €2,200+ via Sydney or Auckland.
Fiji Airways partners with British Airways and American Airlines for the long-haul legs. This routing also avoids the Australian transit visa requirements that complicate connections through Sydney or Brisbane for many European passports.
Book Brisbane connections separately to save €250
European carriers often charge a premium for through-tickets to Port Vila. Booking a roundtrip to Brisbane (approx. €1,100-1,300) and a separate Virgin Australia or Solomon Airlines ticket to Port Vila (€350-450) often saves €200-300 per person.
The catch is the “self-transfer” risk. You must clear Australian immigration, collect bags, and check in again. Allow at least 4-5 hours between flights in Brisbane. This strategy works best if you plan a stopover in Australia.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
Medical facilities in Port Vila are basic. Serious injuries require evacuation to Brisbane or Sydney, costing $50,000+. Standard credit card insurance may have low caps for evacuation.
Verify your policy covers at least $250,000 in medical evacuation specifically. If you plan on diving in Santo or hiking Mount Yasur in Tanna, ensure “adventure sports” are not excluded from your policy.
Departure tax is now included in tickets
Historically, Vanuatu charged a separate 2,000 Vatu departure tax payable in cash at the airport. This is now included in almost all international airline tickets (code “WU” or similar on the tax breakdown).
Double-check your ticket receipt. If flying on smaller charter flights or older ticket stock, you might still be asked. Keep 3,000 Vatu cash handy just in case, but standard commercial flights from Europe/Australia have integrated this.
Verify Air Vanuatu operations
Due to Air Vanuatu’s liquidation proceedings in mid-2024, their international schedule remains subject to change or cancellation. Avoid booking long-haul itineraries plated on Air Vanuatu (098 stock).
Stick to tickets issued by major carriers (Qantas, Fiji Airways, Virgin) that use Air Vanuatu only for the final leg. This ensures you have protection and rebooking options on partner metal if the local leg fails.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
What is the Euro to Vatu exchange rate for travelers?
The exchange rate has remained relatively stable in late 2025, with €1 buying approximately 125-130 Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Your purchasing power is decent, though imported goods in supermarkets remain expensive due to shipping costs.
Cash remains king outside of major resorts. While hotels in Port Vila accept cards, you will need Vatu cash for transport, markets, and virtually everything on the outer islands. Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs, then use ATMs in Port Vila for better rates.
Are there new tourism levies I should know about?
Yes, many provinces have strictly enforced local tourism levies in 2025 to support infrastructure maintenance. While the international departure tax is included in your airline ticket, you may encounter small “provincial entry fees” or “custom fees” (usually 200-500 VT, approx. €1.50-4.00) when visiting specific attractions like the Blue Holes in Santo or Mount Yasur in Tanna.
These are legitimate local community fees, not scams. Always carry small change (coins and 200 VT notes) to pay these fees, as operators rarely have change for large bills and card machines are non-existent at these sites.
Can I use my European SIM card in Vanuatu?
No, European roaming charges in Vanuatu are exorbitant (often €10+ per MB) and should be avoided entirely. Your best option is to buy a local SIM card from Vodafone or Digicel in the arrival hall at Port Vila airport.
A tourist package with 10GB of data typically costs around 2,000 VT (€15) and offers surprisingly good 4G coverage in Port Vila and Luganville. However, expect signal to drop to 3G or disappear completely in remote villages and outer islands. Download offline maps and translation tools before you leave Wi-Fi coverage.
What power adapter do I need for Vanuatu?
Vanuatu uses Type I plugs (the same angled two/three-pin plug used in Australia and New Zealand) with a voltage of 230V. European Type C/F plugs will not fit, so you must bring a reliable adapter.
While some high-end resorts have “universal” outlets, most guesthouses and bungalows do not. If you are traveling to outer islands with limited electricity (often solar-powered for a few hours at night), bring a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh) to keep your phone and camera charged when wall outlets aren’t available.
What is the dress code for visiting villages?
Modesty is highly valued in Ni-Vanuatu culture, especially outside of resort areas. Women should cover their shoulders and wear shorts or skirts that reach at least the knee when walking through villages or visiting markets. Swimwear is strictly for the beach or pool and is considered offensive in town centers.
Men should also wear a shirt when not at the beach. Following these “Kastom” (customary) rules will earn you respect from locals and often lead to warmer interactions. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or private dwellings.
Are there ATMs on the outer islands like Tanna or Santo?
ATMs are extremely scarce outside of Port Vila and Luganville (Santo). Tanna has only one or two reliable ATMs near the airport/Lenakel, and they often run out of cash or reject foreign cards.
You must withdraw sufficient Vatu in Port Vila before flying to any outer island. Calculate your budget for accommodation, tours, and food, then add 20% for emergencies. Carrying €200-300 worth of Vatu in smaller denominations (500 and 1,000 notes) is essential, as village guesthouses cannot break a 5,000 VT note or accept credit cards.
Is malaria medication necessary for a 2-week trip?
Yes, malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended if you are visiting islands north of Efate, such as Santo, Malekula, or Ambrym. While Port Vila (Efate) has very low transmission, the risk increases significantly in rural and jungle areas.
Consult a travel clinic for Doxycycline or Malarone prescriptions. Regardless of medication, bite prevention is your primary defense: wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn, and use strong repellent. Dengue fever is also present, for which there is no preventative pill, making mosquito avoidance doubly important.
Do shops and markets open on Sundays?
Vanuatu is a deeply Christian nation, and Sunday is a day of rest and church. Most shops, markets, and businesses in Port Vila are closed or have very limited hours (often closing by noon). Alcohol sales are prohibited in supermarkets from Saturday noon until Monday morning.
Resorts and hotel restaurants operate normally, but if you are self-catering, ensure you buy your groceries and alcohol on Saturday morning. Plan your tours accordingly, as some village-based activities may also be unavailable on Sundays.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Europe to Vanuatu cost?
No nonstop service exists between Europe and Vanuatu. All routings require at least one connection, with total journey times of 26-38 hours depending on hub choice.
This is standard for the route—most travelers connect through Singapore (SIN), Sydney (SYD), or Brisbane (BNE) with minimal hassle. Select connection times of 2.5-4 hours for international-to-international transfers—enough buffer for customs, security, and gate changes without excessive waiting.
All ATC Superdeals are manually verified for optimal connection times and efficient hub routing.
| Route | Airline(s) | Journey Time | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) → Singapore (SIN) → Port Vila (VLI) | Singapore Airlines / Air Vanuatu | 28h 30m | €2,100 | €525 (75% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Singapore (SIN) → Port Vila (VLI) | Air France / Singapore Airlines / Air Vanuatu | 29h 00m | €2,050 | €515 (75% off) |
| Amsterdam (AMS) → Singapore (SIN) → Port Vila (VLI) | KLM / Singapore Airlines / Air Vanuatu | 29h 30m | €2,150 | €540 (75% off) |
| Frankfurt (FRA) → Singapore (SIN) → Port Vila (VLI) | Lufthansa / Singapore Airlines / Air Vanuatu | 28h 45m | €2,150 | €540 (75% off) |
| London (LHR) → Sydney (SYD) → Port Vila (VLI) | Qantas / Air Vanuatu | 30h 00m | €2,000 | €500 (75% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Sydney (SYD) → Port Vila (VLI) | Air France / Qantas / Air Vanuatu | 31h 00m | €2,050 | €515 (75% off) |
| Frankfurt (FRA) → Brisbane (BNE) → Port Vila (VLI) | Lufthansa / Singapore Airlines / Virgin Australia | 30h 30m | €2,000 | €500 (75% off) |
| Amsterdam (AMS) → Brisbane (BNE) → Port Vila (VLI) | KLM / Qatar Airways / Virgin Australia | 31h 00m | €2,050 | €515 (75% off) |
| Rome (FCO) → Singapore (SIN) → Port Vila (VLI) | Singapore Airlines / Air Vanuatu | 30h 00m | €2,150 | €540 (75% off) |
| Zurich (ZRH) → Singapore (SIN) → Port Vila (VLI) | SWISS / Singapore Airlines / Air Vanuatu | 29h 30m | €2,150 | €540 (75% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Europe to Vanuatu flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Europe to Vanuatu, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Singapore SIN
with Singapore Airlines / Qantas
- Average savings: 30% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~12.5h Europe-Singapore + ~9h Singapore-Brisbane/Sydney-Vanuatu
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Modern terminal with premium lounge access
- Visa requirements: Most European passports get visa-free short transit
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, consistently top-ranked globally
- Best for: London, Paris, Frankfurt travelers seeking efficient, well-timed connections and smooth transfers
Dubai DXB
with Emirates / Qantas
- Average savings: 25% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Europe-Dubai (~6.5h), then Dubai-Sydney/Brisbane-Vanuatu (~17h total)
- Typical connection: 3-5 hours (minimum 75 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free hotel with meals and transfers
- Visa requirements: Many European passports obtain visa-on-arrival or eVisa
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax, strong long-haul facilities
- Best for: Amsterdam, Rome, Zurich travelers seeking strong value and A380 long-haul comfort
Sydney SYD
with Qantas / Air Vanuatu
- Average savings: 20% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~22h Europe-Sydney and ~3.5h Sydney-Port Vila legs
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Modern terminal with rest areas
- Visa requirements: Most European passports need advance Australia eVisitor/ETA
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax, good transit and lounges
- Best for: London, Paris, Munich travelers seeking reliable final-leg connectivity to Vanuatu
Tokyo NRT
with ANA / Japan Airlines
- Average savings: 15% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~11.5h Europe-Tokyo, ~9h Tokyo-Australia-Vanuatu
- Typical connection: 2-3.5 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free Japan exploration
- Visa requirements: Many European passports enjoy visa-free short stays
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax, efficient and comfortable
- Best for: Frankfurt, Vienna, Copenhagen travelers seeking premium economy comfort and cultural stopover
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Set alerts →Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Vanuatu
Most travelers book Europe–Vanuatu flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Vanuatu.
Qantas
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Five-time Skytrax winner for Best Airline in Australia & Pacific; 787’s lower cabin altitude reduces fatigue on 22+ hour Europe–Vanuatu journeys via Sydney, improving jet lag for leisure travelers.
- Route: 1-stop via Sydney MEL/SYD→VLI (total 22–24 hrs)
- Economy: 31–32″ pitch, 17.8″ width, 3-3-3, adjustable headrests, USB-A/USB-C, 12″ IFE
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 18″ IFE, noise-canceling headphones
- Standouts: Premium Economy available; extensive IFE with movies, TV, games; paid Wi-Fi; complimentary meals with wine; Qantas Club lounge access in Sydney
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,100–1,600; Business €3,200–4,800;
Emirates
Boeing 777-300ER
Four-time Skytrax Best Airline winner; 777-300ER’s high-spec cabins and Dubai hub connectivity make it a top choice for European travelers seeking comfort and seamless connections to Vanuatu.
- Route: 1-stop via Dubai DXB→VLI (total 23–25 hrs)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-4-3, personal 13″ IFE, USB-A, power ports, adjustable headrests
- Business: 2-3-2 angled lie-flat, 78″ bed, 18″ IFE, noise-canceling headphones, direct aisle access
- Standouts: Award-winning IFE with 4,500+ channels; Wi-Fi throughout; hot meals with wine/champagne; premium amenity kits; Dubai lounge access; generous baggage allowance
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,200–1,700; Business €3,400–5,000;
Qatar Airways
Airbus A350-1000
Skytrax 5-Star Airline; A350’s lower cabin altitude and quiet cabin reduce fatigue on long Europe–Vanuatu trips via Doha, ideal for travelers prioritizing wellness and comfort.
- Route: 1-stop via Doha DOH→VLI (total 22–24 hrs)
- Economy: 32–33″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3, 12.1″ IFE, USB-A/USB-C, adjustable headrests, mood lighting
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 80″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 18.5″ IFE, noise-canceling headphones
- Standouts: Oryx One IFE with 8,500+ options; Wi-Fi; hot meals with wine; premium amenity kits; Doha lounge with showers; generous baggage allowance
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,150–1,650; Business €3,300–4,900;
Virgin Australia
Airbus A330neo
Skytrax 4-Star Airline; A330neo’s modern cabin and efficient long-haul performance make it a smart choice for European travelers connecting via Brisbane to Vanuatu.
- Route: 1-stop via Brisbane BNE→VLI (total 23–25 hrs)
- Economy: 31–32″ pitch, 17.8″ width, 2-4-2, 12″ IFE, USB-A/USB-C, adjustable headrests
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 16″ IFE, noise-canceling headphones
- Standouts: Modern IFE with movies, TV, music; Wi-Fi; hot meals with wine; premium amenity kits; Brisbane lounge access; generous baggage allowance
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,100–1,600; Business €3,100–4,700;
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