Fiji Airways and WestJet’s Partnership Improves Canada’s Connections to Fiji and Beyond

Travelling to Fiji from cities across Canada has become easier following the introduction of Fiji Airways’ codeshare agreement with WestJet.

The partnership improves access to Fiji Airways wider network also makes Nadi worth considering for travellers continuing to Australia or other South Pacific destinations.

Announced in May 2026, the agreement allows Fiji Airways to place its FJ code on selected WestJet flights from Canada to Fiji Airways’ gateways in Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In return, WestJet places its WS code on Fiji Airways’ Vancouver to Nadi service and onward flights to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

The current WestJet codeshare covers Fiji and New Zealand, with tickets issued by WestJet able to cover the entire eligible journey from Canada.

The expansion of flight options from cities across Canada interests me most. Vancouver’s nonstop service has brought considerable benefits to the local Fijian community, tourists and business travellers. The partnership extends that convenience to more Canadians, with a single check-in and baggage checked through to the final destination on eligible codeshare itineraries.

A wider Canadian market for Fiji

Fiji Airways launched their nonstop Vancouver flight in November 2022, offering service twice a week. The route gave Canadians their first nonstop connection to Fiji, which was a great benefit for the local Fijian community, as well as Canadian tourists and business travellers.

In 2026, Fiji Airways announced that they were expanding Vancouver service to three flights per week year-round.  This was followed by an announcement that they would be replacing the older Airbus A330 aircraft with the newer and larger Airbus A350. This means that capacity out of Vancouver will grow by 23% in 2026 compared to 2025 and growth of over 36% compared to 2023, Fiji Airways’ first full year of operation in Vancouver. 

The growth in capacity has made it even more important to offer better connections for other Canadian cities.  Since Canada is such a large country, the international flight is often only one factor when planning a vacation.  Offering a more seamless point-to-point trip, with a minimum number of connections and hassles is also an important consideration.  With the new agreement, Fiji Airways can offer a far less stressful trip, making Fiji a more attractive option for Canadians in Central and Eastern Canada.

Travelling to Australia and New Zealand via Fiji

For many Canadians, Australia and New Zealand are listed among their top ‘bucket list’ destinations.  However, many people find the distance and travel time involved a bit intimidating.  For these people, Fiji Airways is a perfect option since their hub in Nadi is en route to both countries, allowing passengers to break up their trip.

In addition to the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Fiji Airways also offers flights to Adelaide, Cairns and the Gold Coast  This gives travellers a choice of destinations, whether they are visiting family, or travelling for business or pleasure.

I see particular appeal in the stopover option. Most people travelling to Australia spend more days in destination due to the distance.  These passengers may welcome a chance get over their jet lag in Fiji prior to starting their Australian adventure.  Or they may prefer to spend a few days at the end of their trip relaxing before heading home.  Fiji Airways allows passengers to stop over at no additional fare in either or both directions.

The connections work in the other direction as well. Australians and New Zealanders can travel through Nadi to Vancouver, then connect seamlessly to Canadian cities served by WestJet.

What this means for Fiji

For Fiji’s tourism industry, the increase capacity allows them the opportunity to promote the islands to more Canadians than ever before.  Canadian travellers are known for being adventurous, seeking out new and interesting destinations especially during the long winter season.  Canadians are more likely to travel overseas as well, with over two thirds of them holding a passport, compared to just over half of all Americans.

Fiji’s appeal is well established: the diversity of their islands, excellent diving, beaches, local cuisine and, of course, the world-famous Fijian hospitality. Even if they’re only on a short stopover, making the trip as smooth as possible will make Canadians even more likely to choose Fiji Airways for their next trip.

These upgrades are already paying off; so far in 2026 Canadian arrivals in Fiji have grown faster than arrivals from several other nations.  Up to the end of August, over 15 and a half thousand Canadians have travelled to Fiji, an increase of 13.4% compared to 2025.  This is higher than arrivals from Australia (+4.6%), the USA (+6.7%), Europe (+7.3%) and China (+5.2%).  Fiji is on track to welcome over one million visitors this year, and Canadians are playing a major role in helping them reach that goal.

A cargo fact worth knowing

While passenger travel is key to Fiji Airways’ growth in Canada, cargo is also an important part of their business.  With the increase to three times weekly service and the upgrade to the Airbus A350, Fiji Airways can now offer even more cargo capacity out of Canada.

From Nadi, Fiji Airways also operates widebody flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.  According to Fiji Airways’ chief network, revenue and alliances officer, Russell Shaw, Fiji Airways is the only airline operating widebody aircraft between Fiji and Australia.

Freight moving between Canada and Australia can now also use Nadi as a transfer point, subject to the operating schedule, shipment requirements and available cargo capacity.

For many Fijian businesses, access to international freight capacity matters just as much as access to overseas visitors. Exporters and importers depend on workable transport options, particularly where delivery time affects a product’s value or availability.

More reasons to consider Fiji

For me, the value of the WestJet partnership is straightforward: it makes travelling to Fiji easier for more people from across Canada.

Many passengers will arrive in Nadi and spend their entire vacation in Fiji.  Others will continue on to Australia or New Zealand, perhaps spending only a few days in Fiji. People looking to move cargo also have another option to get their goods to more cities throughout the South Pacific.

The opportunity for Fiji is to make the most of that access. For a Canadian traveller planning a Pacific journey, a few days in Fiji can now be part of the conversation much earlier, while they are deciding how to get there.