Virgin Australia to Cease Cairns-Tokyo Flights Amid Decline in Inbound Tourism

Virgin Australia announced the cessation of daily flights between Cairns and Tokyo (Haneda) starting from February 24, 2025. This decision comes amid the slow recovery of inbound tourism from Japan, which remains approximately 35% below pre-COVID levels. The Cairns-Tokyo route was launched in June 2023 but failed to achieve the projected passenger numbers due to the prolonged weakening of the Japanese yen, making the route commercially unviable. Passengers who have booked flights after February 24 will be offered refunds and alternative travel options.

Despite closing this route, Virgin Australia continues to prioritize its international strategy. The airline maintains a strong partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), offering up to 17 weekly flights between Australia and Japan, ensuring continuous connectivity for travelers. Passengers can seamlessly book these flights and enjoy the benefits of the loyalty program.

The weakening of the Japanese yen has had a significant impact on tourism in 2023. It made international travel less attractive for Japanese people, reducing the number of outbound passengers. Meanwhile, the weak yen attracted a record number of foreign tourists to Japan—25 million—helping to support the country's economy. Experts anticipate that with the improvement of the global economy, international routes like Cairns-Tokyo may be resumed.

For European travelers planning trips to Japan or Australia, it is essential to consider the current schedule changes and possible alternative routes. For example, Finnair offers connecting flights through Helsinki to Sydney, which could be a convenient option for Europeans traveling to Australia. For travelers to Japan, Finnair and JAL offer direct flights from Helsinki to Tokyo, making the journey even more convenient.

Virgin Australia's decision to cease Cairns-Tokyo flights reflects broader economic challenges and a strategic shift to strengthen other routes and partnerships. The airline remains committed to providing excellent service and connectivity for its passengers, adapting to changing market conditions to ensure sustainable operations.