Air Tahiti Nui starting Sydney flights

[Andrew Curran]

Air Tahiti Nui will start twice-weekly Papeete - Sydney flights on December 14, 2026. They use B787-9s.

Air Tahiti Nui announces the opening of a direct route between Tahiti and Australia

Air Tahiti Nui continues to develop its international network and announces the launch of new direct service between Papeete and Sydney (PPT–SYD).

www.airtahitinui.com

 

[CaptJCool]

Finally !

 

[kamchatsky]

The timing looks good actually. It allows same day connection to the rest of the islands.

I always wondered if QF will ever fly directly to PPT once their XLRs have arrived. I guess the big answer is No as it is no longer required!

 

[LionKing]

The timing looks good actually. It allows same day connection to the rest of the islands.

I always wondered if QF will ever fly directly to PPT once their XLRs have arrived. I guess the big answer is No as it is no longer required!

Qantas has codeshare with TN. I hope we can purchase the direct flights from Qantas.com soon with a QF number, so we can earn status credits!

 

[Mattg]

Qantas has codeshare with TN. I hope we can purchase the direct flights from Qantas.com soon with a QF number, so we can earn status credits!

I believe a QF codeshare is also a prerequisite for being able to redeem Qantas points to book a seat on the route. Hopefully that happens, SYD-PPT is a cool route and would be a nice redemption option.

 

[SYD]

I believe a QF codeshare is also a prerequisite for being able to redeem Qantas points to book a seat on the route. Hopefully that happens, SYD-PPT is a cool route and would be a nice redemption option.

and I wonder how many PC members will get a chance to redeem and fly before PC disappears?

 

[kamchatsky]

I believe a QF codeshare is also a prerequisite for being able to redeem Qantas points to book a seat on the route. Hopefully that happens, SYD-PPT is a cool route and would be a nice redemption option.

Yes it is a great redemption option, but then you need to pay through the nose for your accommodation (admittedly they are very nice)!

 

[levelnine]

Yes it is a great redemption option, but then you need to pay through the nose for your accommodation (admittedly they are very nice)!

Not if you're paying with points

Great news. The lack of good connections to PPT had put us off Bora Bora. May need to reconsider.

 

[kamchatsky]

Not if you're paying with points

Great news. The lack of good connections to PPT had put us off Bora Bora. May need to reconsider.

About 15 years ago we went to Moorea, booked on NZ J SYD-AKL-PPT return on points (35K SQ points each person). Stayed at IC Tahiti in cash, and Hilton Moorea on their error cash fare. It was an amazing experience.

I would say IC Tahiti is the best airport hotel I have ever stayed at. Only 5 mins from PPT.

I am not sure whether there are still good deals on using points for hotel stays at French Polynesia.

 

[CaptJCool]

Yes it is a great redemption option, but then you need to pay through the nose for your accommodation (admittedly they are very nice)!

$350 plus per night

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

Technically this is a restart. They flew the route in the 2000's, as well as PPT-JFK which was an interesting routing to get to New York:

Route Map: Air Tahiti Nui NW05 Network — AeroRoutes

Published at 0100GMT 15FEB25 The following illustration is the route map of Air Tahiti Nui’s network during Northern winter 2005/06 season.

www.aeroroutes.com

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

Excellent news; have been waiting for this for years. Finally no more excuse not to go!

 

[SYD]

Excellent news; have been waiting for this for years. Finally no more excuse not to go!

If you want to visit in style and have accommodation sorted at the same time, several cruise lines reposition between SYD and HNL via PPT!

 

[jase05]

$350 plus per night

Which is an absolute bargain for a place like that I’d imagine.
We are yet to visit but when the time comes it’s one of those places where I wouldn’t mind paying whatever it costs

 

[clifford]

I can't see it being a successfull venture (just my take). And yes, I have been to Papeete many times.

 

[SYD]

I can't see it being a successfull venture (just my take). And yes, I have been to Papeete many times.

Only 2 days a week each way to start. So I guess we’ll see.

 

[Mattg]

I can't see it being a successfull venture (just my take).

Why do you say this?

(Not necessarily disagreeing, but curious about your reasoning.)

 

[kpc]

A few years ago we flew Syd-Akl (QF Y)-Ppt (TN J) rtn using AA miles. Nothing special about TN J then...semi recline J seats and reasonable food....but had to pay $$$ from Ppt to Bob on VT!.

But Bora Bora was stunning

 

[levelnine]

I am not sure whether there are still good deals on using points for hotel stays at French Polynesia.

St Regis with 5th night free and Conrad with free night certificates/5th night free.

 

[CaptJCool]

Why do you say this?

(Not necessarily disagreeing, but curious about your reasoning.)

In looking at the Australians who were on my flight/s from Tahiti via Auckland, there’s likely sufficient for 2 flights per week - couple of sizeable tour groups (girls school Sydney, boys school Brisbane) and some stragglers

I suspect Tahiti has been off a lot of our travel plans given the logistics of getting by there from Oz.

However, infrequent schedules force you to linger longer. Not necessarily a challenge given starting from Sydney. (I do note that Darwin to Bali has not worked for Indo AirAsia a few times a week) so just how to stimulate demand is a potential problem
Not sure prices are released
I know doing the circuit including September October 2025 Adelaide to Nadi, Nadi to Papeete, including The amazing Bora Bora and home from Papeete via Auckland and Sydney came in at near $3,000 return