Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Vanuatu

Direct flight routes to Vanuatu

There are currently no non-stop flights from North America to Vanuatu. All routes require at least one connection.

Layover/stopover options

Nadi, Fiji (NAN) – Fiji Airways hub with connections to Port Vila. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern terminal with decent amenities and duty-free shopping.

Sydney, Australia (SYD) – Air Vanuatu’s main connection point. Connection times typically 4-6 hours. Extensive shopping and dining options, with possibility for stopover tours of Sydney.

Brisbane, Australia (BNE) – Virgin Australia and Air Vanuatu operations. Usually 3-5 hour connections. Compact airport layout makes transfers efficient.

Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) – Air Vanuatu connections via codeshare with Air New Zealand. Connection times average 5 hours. Excellent airport facilities and option for New Zealand stopover.

Time vs money

Multiple-stop routes generally offer more competitive pricing due to higher frequency and airline partnerships. Stopovers can be included for minimal additional cost when booking through major carriers like Qantas or Air New Zealand.

Tips and recommendations

• Book routes through Australia or New Zealand if planning a stopover – these countries offer better tourist infrastructure and attractions.


• Fiji route often offers best value for simple connections without stopovers.


• Consider seasonal variations – December-February sees highest prices and longest connection times.


• Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer lower fares.


• Connections through Brisbane often have shorter immigration queues than Sydney.

• Fiji Airways offers the most efficient routing from North America to Vanuatu via Nadi, with connections available from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Their A330-200 features comfortable 32-inch pitch in economy, and the airline frequently offers competitive fares around $1,200 roundtrip. Layover times in Nadi are optimized at 3-4 hours, allowing for smooth transfers.
• Routing through Auckland on Air New Zealand can yield savings of up to 30% compared to other options, particularly when booking 4-6 months ahead. Their innovative Economy Skycouch option provides extra comfort on the long-haul segment. Air New Zealand partners with Air Vanuatu for the final leg to Port Vila.
• Flying through Brisbane or Sydney via Qantas offers excellent schedule reliability and typically shorter overall journey times from western US/Canadian cities. Qantas operates modern A330s with their latest economy product featuring enhanced padding and ergonomic design, while Air Vanuatu handles the final 3-hour segment to Port Vila.
• Utilizing Virgin Australia’s partnerships with Delta and Air Canada can result in seamless connections through Brisbane, often with favorable pricing when booked as a single ticket. Their Boeing 737 MAX aircraft serving Pacific routes features extra-legroom economy seats at regular fares. The airline recently increased frequency to Port Vila to 5 weekly flights.
• Consider the multi-city option through Tokyo on ANA or JAL, connecting to Air Vanuatu via Sydney or Brisbane. While this route takes longer, it often prices 20-25% lower than direct South Pacific routings and allows for a potential stopover in Japan at no additional airfare cost.

1. Booking a multi-leg journey separately Breaking up the journey to Vanuatu into separate ticket bookings (like LAX-SYD and SYD-VLI) can lead to missed connections with no airline responsibility and potential loss of baggage transfer services.
2. Not considering seasonal timing Many travelers book during the wet season (November to April) without realizing that cyclones can cause frequent flight disruptions and cancellations to Port Vila International Airport.
3. Overlooking Air Vanuatu’s limited schedule Failing to align connecting flights with Air Vanuatu’s specific departure days from Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland can result in lengthy layovers or missed connections since they don’t operate daily services to Port Vila.
4. Ignoring alternative routing options Many travelers fixate on flying through Sydney when routes through Nadi, Fiji or Brisbane might offer better schedules or lower fares to reach Vanuatu.
5. Missing transit visa requirements Travelers often forget that passing through Australia or New Zealand en route to Vanuatu may require transit visas, even for short layovers.

Air Vanuatu

Best for: Most direct routing options to Vanuatu through key Pacific hubs.

Operating from 6 North American departure cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, New York, and Houston) via codeshare agreements. Main connections through Sydney, Brisbane, and Nadi. Notable for maintaining consistent service standards and offering authentic Melanesian hospitality. Economy class features 32-inch pitch seats and complimentary meals showcasing Pacific cuisine. Passenger satisfaction ratings average 7.5/10, with particular praise for friendly cabin crew.

Qantas Airways

Best for: Superior inflight comfort and entertainment on long-haul segments.

Serves 4 major North American cities (Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, and Vancouver) with connections to Vanuatu via Sydney or Brisbane. Features well-regarded Economy seats with 32-33 inch pitch and adjustable headrests. Comprehensive entertainment system with over 1,000 hours of content. Multi-course meals with premium Australian wines included. Maintains an 8/10 passenger satisfaction rating for trans-Pacific routes.

Air New Zealand

Best for: Most comfortable Economy Class seat design with innovative Skycouch option.

Operates from 5 North American gateways (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago, and Houston) with connections through Auckland. Economy class features unique leather seats with 32-inch pitch and ergonomic design. Distinguished by high-quality dining program featuring New Zealand wines. Consistently receives passenger ratings above 8/10 for long-haul comfort.

Fiji Airways

Best for: Most scenic and relaxed stopover options in Fiji.

Connects 3 North American cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver) to Vanuatu via Nadi. Economy cabin offers 31-32 inch seat pitch with Pacific-inspired design elements. Serves complimentary meals with Fijian influences. Popular for allowing free or low-cost stopover programs in Fiji. Maintains 7.8/10 passenger satisfaction rating with high marks for friendly service.

Using regional carriers for cheaper flights to Vanuatu

Travelers from North America can save significantly on flights to Vanuatu by splitting their journey and leveraging regional Asian-Pacific carriers. Instead of booking a single ticket through major airlines, consider this strategic approach:

1. Book separate legs: First, secure a flight to a major Asian hub like Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland using mainstream carriers during off-peak seasons.
2. Utilize regional carriers: From these hubs, book separate tickets on airlines like Air Vanuatu, Virgin Australia, or Fiji Airways to reach Port Vila.
3. Consider multiple stops: Routes through Fiji or New Caledonia often cost less than direct flights from major Australian cities.

This strategy typically saves 20-30% compared to single-ticket bookings, but requires careful planning. Allow at least 4-6 hours between connections and consider overnight stays at hub cities during peak seasons.

Money-saving tips

Book regional segments 2-3 months in advance, as these routes have limited capacity. Sign up for fare alerts from regional carriers and consider mid-week departures, which often cost less. Remember to factor in potential baggage fees and transfer costs between terminals when calculating total savings.