Is Fiji Airways the best way to get to Fiji?

Fiji Airways’ Brisbane to Nadi route drops you into the heart of Fiji’s warm tropical embrace from the moment you step onboard.

The welcome greetings onboard are more subdued than you’d receive at Fiji’s famed resorts where Bula rings out with gusto. But the genuine warmth is unmistakably Fijian. Onboard, expect friendly Fijian hospitality, modern aircraft and on-time departures from a carrier rated by Skytrax as one of the world’s top airlines.

The Facts

Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 800 (capacity 170 passengers)

Seat: I was in seat 22A, economy class

Seat pitch: According to specs, economy seats have 32-inch pitch.

Flying Fiji Airways from Brisbane to Nadi is one of my favourite routes. The short flight time is an appealing attraction. At a little under 4 hours, it’s long enough to watch a movie, enjoy a meal, do a little work or snatch a power nap. But the real reason I love flying this route is the vibe onboard. What’s not to love about flying to Fiji?

Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah has announced his intention for Fiji Airways to be the ‘World’s Happiest Airline.” It’s already well on the way. Resort check-in is available at selected Fijian resorts, allowing travellers to linger a little longer to savour the happy holiday vibe.

Fiji Airways deploys Boeing 737 MAX 8’s on the Brisbane-Nadi route. Though there are plenty of Fijians travelling from Australia on my flight along with a smattering of business travellers, there’s a palpable holiday vibe thanks to families escaping to the islands of Fiji.

Fiji Airways’ backstory

Fiji Airways emerged from the islands in the early 1950s, going through a number of iterations to become the leading international player it is today. The airline is majority government-owned, with Qantas holding a significant stake. This partnership has helped shape a boutique airline proud of its roots, with world-class credentials to play in aviation’s big league. The airline’s oneworld membership 2025 is a welcome inclusion for Qantas frequent flyers.

Fiji Airways makes regular red carpet appearance at industry awards. They’ve picked up Best Airline in Australia & the Pacific and Best Airline Staff in Australia & the Pacific from Skytrax. Most recently they were elevated into the elite APEX World Class Airline category for 2026, making it one of only ten airlines globally to hold this title.

Check in and lounge access

Check-in at Brisbane International is via automated check-in pods and bag drop belts. There’s a separate section for Business Class and Tabua Club travellers. Counters open three hours before departure and online check-in opens 48 hours out.

The Qantas International Business Lounge is the go-to for eligible guests at Brisbane International Airport, where you’ll find a decent food selection, barista coffee and plenty of comfy lounges if you’ve got time to spare. At Nadi International Airport, Tabua Club is available for members along with some Qantas or oneworld frequent flyers (dependent upon factors, including QF status and whether ticketed on QF or FJ).

First impressions upon boarding

Boarding Fiji Airways feels like stepping into holiday time. Even though I’m travelling for work, it’s hard not to get caught up in the obvious holiday vibe of fellow passengers. Crew are quick to offer what feels like a heartfelt Bula and genuine smiles. The 737 MAX 800’s cabin is fresh, and feels relatively new with crisp Pacific-inspired accents and a sense of space that belies its single-aisle configuration. Economy class seating is 3 x 3 while 2 rows of business class have 2 x 2 seating.

Economy class highlights

In seat 22A there’s a generous 32-inch seat pitch and slimline seats with adjustable headrests. Handy USB charging points and 10-inch HD screens offer movie, music, TV, games and magazine selections Reading a magazine proves to be a frustrating experience. Call me old fashioned (though I prefer magazine nerd), but I really enjoy flicking through an actual magazine. Scrolling through a screen on a seat back, which requires me to hold out my arm horizontally while I scroll, is actually uncomfortable and I soon give up. Instead I settle into watch Bohemian Rhapsody movie and learn to love Queen’s music all over again.

Fiji Airways provides complimentary meals and drinks, including beer and wine. Special meals can be booked 48 hours in advance. Crew are attentive and don’t disappear after meal service, and walk the aisle handing out water regularly.

Business class highlights

Peering from row 22 I get a glimpse of Business class and its pocket of tranquility up front. There’s serious legroom (51-inch pitch) apparently, along with wide seats, and proper recline. Each seat has a big 13-inch HD screen and noise-cancelling headphones. A new Pacific Rim menu and on-demand dining that take their cues from Pacific island cuisine elevate the experience.

Business passengers get extra baggage (30kg checked plus two carry-ons), priority check-in and lounge access at both ends.

Meals on Fiji Airways

You won’t go hungry on this route, with three meal choices for economy passengers, inspired by flavours of the Pacific. From Brisbane to Nadi I enjoy the lunch (roast chicken and mashed potatoes) service, while breakfast (pancakes with tropical fruit) is served on the early morning flight from Nadi to Brisbane.

Business class ups the ante with multi-course dining and a revamped menu. Long haul flights have the bonus of on-demand dining, allowing passengers to dine on their schedule not the airlines. Think Fijian seafood, curries packed with island spices, and indulgent desserts. There’s a well-chosen drinks list, with Fijian craft beers, Australian wines and of course, plenty of pure Fijian water.

Inflight entertainment

Onboard the 737 MAX 800 there’s plenty of entertainment options via seatback screens and two-pin plug in headsets. The Panasonic system is easy to use, albeit if a bit laggy on the touch screen capability. One USB charging port is available to charge your phone. Free wifi with limited capability is available or you can purchase a plan for more data.

Just the facts

Fiji Airways flies to Nadi from six Australian destinations: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, with onward connections to the Pacific, Asia, North America and Canada.

Visit Fiji Airways for more information

Thumbs up: The Fijian Bula vibe starts the moment you step onboard.
Thumbs down: Robotic check in process via machines is one that we loathe.

Fiona Harper travelled courtesy of Fiji Airways