Virgin Australia has revealed that it will cease daily flights between Cairns and Tokyo, starting from February 24, 2025.
The decision impacts around 2,000 customers who will need to seek refunds or alternative travel arrangements.
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The airline first introduced its Cairns-Tokyo route in June 2023, but the company cited a significant decline in Japanese visitors and a weakened Yen as factors behind the cancellation.
The airline’s chief transformation and strategy officer, Alistair Hartley, explained that the service is no longer commercially viable due to these challenges.
“Unfortunately, the recovery of inbound visitors from Japan is significantly below forecast,” Hartley said.
“We know this is disappointing news and we are sorry for the impact this decision will have on those guests booked to travel with us from February 2025.”
Customers who booked directly will be contacted via email within the next 24 hours to arrange refunds.
Those who booked through travel agencies or third-party sites are advised to reach out to those platforms for assistance.
Despite the route cancellation, Virgin Australia will continue its partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), offering up to 17 flights per week between Australia and Japan.
The airline will also maintain loyalty benefits for Velocity Frequent Flyer members on ANA flights.
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