Australia Extends Palau Direct Flight Service as Pacific Tourism Ties Strengthen

Australia has announced an extension of its direct air connection with Palau, giving travellers more time to use the Brisbane–Koror route while strengthening tourism and business links between the two Pacific nations.

The Australian Government said on September 2, 2026, that the Palau Paradise Express will continue operating until November 30, 2027, following strong passenger demand since the service began.

Flights to increase during peak season

Under the new arrangement, Qantas will increase the route to two flights a week during Palau’s peak tourism season, beginning in December.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after his meeting with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. in Koror, where Albanese is attending the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

The Australian government said the additional services will provide greater flexibility for travellers and make it easier for Australians to visit Palau.

Route has attracted strong passenger demand

The direct service has already carried more than 15,400 passengers since launching in 2024.

According to the Australian government, passenger traffic between Australia and Oceania and Palau has increased to roughly four times its pre-pandemic level since the route was introduced.

The government also highlighted the economic contribution of the service. In 2025, the route was estimated to have generated around $10 million for Palau’s economy, while overall visitor spending increased by 26 percent.

Tourism and business expected to benefit

Australian officials say maintaining the direct connection is about more than simply providing another travel option.

The expanded service is expected to support hotels, tourism operators, businesses and other parts of Palau’s visitor economy while strengthening people-to-people links between Australia and the Pacific island nation.

Prime Minister Albanese described Palau as a close friend of Australia and said the expansion would support tourism and business activity while deepening connections between the two countries.

Broader Pacific engagement

The aviation announcement comes during Australia’s wider engagement with Pacific Island countries at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

The Australian government has increasingly emphasised stronger regional connections, economic cooperation and practical partnerships with Pacific neighbours.

The continuation of the Brisbane–Koror service is therefore being presented as both a transport development and an economic opportunity for Palau and the wider region.

With the service now extended through late 2027 and additional peak-season flights planned, travellers and businesses will have a longer period to benefit from the direct connection.