Koror, Palau – Qantas Airways will continue its direct service between Brisbane and Palau for another year, a move welcomed by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. as a boost to tourism and bilateral ties.
The “Palau Paradise Express” flights, which first began operating in December 2024, will now continue until December 2026 with the support of the Australian government. The weekly service, operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, provides a six-hour link between Brisbane and Koror, Palau’s capital.
Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for Defense Industry and Pacific Island Affairs, said in a statement that the extension would strengthen economic and people-to-people links between the two countries. “With the Palau Paradise Express set to soar for another year, our relationship with Palau will continue to reach new heights,” Conroy said.
Qantas noted that the route has seen a surge in popularity among Australian travelers. In the first half of 2025, arrivals in Palau increased by 113% compared with the same period in 2024, and March alone saw a 146% year-on-year increase. More than 5,000 passengers have used the route in its first nine months of operation.
“It’s great to see the significant rise in visitor arrivals to Palau, with Aussie travelers being a driving force behind this remarkable result,” said Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace.
President Whipps called the announcement “wonderful news” and described the flights as a “bridge in the sky.” Speaking in an interview, he emphasized the growing passenger numbers and the goal of eventually making the service self-sustaining.
“I think the support is getting less, which is a measure of success,” Whipps said. “Passenger numbers are growing, and that’s what’s important. Hopefully, by the end of this term, we’ll be able to be self-sustained.”
Whipps also highlighted the strategic importance of diversifying Palau’s tourism markets. Plans are underway to launch a twice-weekly Tokyo-Palau route starting in October, which he said will reduce reliance on the Chinese tourist market.
“Thank you, Minister Conroy, for his announcement,” Whipps added. “I’m confident this will become a permanent service, as Qantas plans to add more flights.”
The continued support from the Australian government, coupled with growing demand, is expected to further cement Palau’s profile as a key Pacific tourism destination. – Stefan Armbruster contributed reporting from Brisbane, Australia.