Pacific carriers set to jump at PNG opportunity as NRL announces latest expansion

Pacific carriers are tipped to jump at the opportunity to be the leading carrier for NRL fans, following the league announcing its latest expansion into Papua New Guinea.
Qantas and Fiji Airways are the two carriers likely interested in enhancing their connectivity to PNG and cater to the sports fans, teams, and officials travelling across the region when the new team joins the league in 2028.
The NRL is heading to Vegas, but only one team is flying business!
Earlier this year, the Sydney Roosters flew business class with Qantas on the way to the NRL’s first Las Vegas season opener. The Broncos, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs all flew via Nadi airport in Fiji as part of a Fiji Airlines partnership with the event.
Fiji Airways is also a sponsor of the Melbourne Storm.
“Fiji Airways is the best airline in the Pacific and one of the best airlines globally, and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with them,” Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said at the time of the announcement.
The Australian Government will pay $600 million over 10 years to support PNG’s entry to the NRL which is considered in part a tool to strengthen diplomatic ties within the nation as China looks to increase its influence in the region.
The PNG Government will pay $150 million over four years to support the team.
New NRL games will have flow-on benefits for PNG tourism
Home based agent Luke Jones told Travel Weekly the NRL matches are an opportunity to travel somewhere different.
“They will have to develop some of the hotels and infrastructure, including a few more scheduled flights on game weeks which they have a few years to work out,” he said.
“It will also be great to watch a game of footy and then follow in the Anzac’s footsteps and walk the Kokoda Track.”
Fiji Airways told Travel Weekly it is currently planning itineraries for the NRL’s 2025 Las Vegas season opener, following on from the success of the inaugural 2024 event.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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