Australian low-cost airline Jetstar has announced its fifth weekly non-stop service from Sydney to Rarotonga starting from May 2025, strengthening connections from Australia to the Cook Islands.
Rarotonga is the largest and most populated of the 15 islands which make up the Cook Islands.
The introduction of this fifth weekly service for 6 months of the year is expected to bring over 40,000 addition visitors in 2025. Jetstar will now operate flights departing Sydney on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:30 p.m., arriving in Rarotonga on the same day.
The news comes shortly after Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga announced a new codeshare partnership, enhancing air travel connectivity between Europe, the United States and the Cook Islands via Tahiti and enabling a more seamless travel experience across the South Pacific.
Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown, said: “The increase in flight frequency is not just a matter of convenience. Tourism is the backbone of our nation, and every additional flight brings more opportunities for our businesses, communities, and islands.”
CEO Karla Eggelton of Cook Islands Tourism highlighted the growing demand for direct access from Australia, stating: “With Rarotonga just a 5.5-hour flight from Sydney, this increased airlift will make it even easier for visitors to Australia to add on a visit to the Cook Islands to explore our pristine paradise.”
Through the strategic alliance between Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga, meanwhile, passengers will enjoy greater flexibility, expanded route options, and convenient connections between two of the Pacific’s most stunning island destinations. Under the agreement, Air Tahiti Nui will place its “TN” code on select Air Rarotonga flights, while Air Rarotonga will apply its “GZ” code on Air Tahiti Nui flights. This will allow travellers to book a single ticket and experience smoother transfers between Papeete, Rarotonga, and beyond.
Mathieu Bechonnet, Managing Director at Air Tahiti Nui, commented: “We are excited to partner with Air Rarotonga to further enrich travel experiences across the Pacific. By working together, we are ensuring that visitors and residents alike can explore the natural beauty and vibrant cultures of both Tahiti and the Cook Islands with greater ease and flexibility.”
Ewan Smith, Managing Director of Air Rarotonga, added: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in improving access between our two island nations. We look forward to offering more flight options to our passengers and strengthening ties between the Cook Islands and French Polynesia.”
