Qantas will double its direct service between Brisbane and Koror to two return flights a week during the peak season, after signing a new agreement to continue operating the Palau Paradise Express.
From December (subject to regulatory approvals), the Palau Paradise Express will operate twice weekly for the first time, giving travelers the option of a four-day trip to Palau, according to a Sept. 2 release from the airline.
The service, which Qantas launched with one weekly flight in December 2024, has opened a new leisure market for Australians. Carrying more than 15,400 passengers since its commencement, the flights have quadrupled passenger traffic to Palau from Australia and Oceania from pre-COVID levels, the release said.
The second weekly service will operate from December to the end of March 2027, departing Brisbane on Wednesday and Saturday and returning from Koror on Thursday and Sunday. The service will be operated by a Boeing 737-800, with a flight time to Koror of around six hours, and connections available across the Qantas domestic network.
Kadoi Ruluked, managing director of the Palau Visitors Authority Director welcomed the launch of a second weekly service.
“Since Qantas took over the Palau Paradise Express in 2024, Australian visitation to Palau during our peak period has grown 107 per cent year on year. This added seasonal frequency will build on that momentum by giving travelers the flexibility to enjoy a shorter Palau getaway for the first time,” he said in the release.
“Greater connectivity like this supports our efforts to grow tourism sustainably, delivering more opportunities for our local businesses and communities,” Ruluked said.
In other tourism news, the Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on Sept. 3 for the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, which will improve Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post.
Bird Island Lookout will see a site redesign featuring new ADA compliant stairs, walkways, viewing platforms, guardrails, and an improved parking area. Last Command Post will have construction of an ADA compliant restroom, plus a septic tank and leaching field. Suicide Cliff Lookout will see installation of new walkways, viewing platforms, a ramp, guardrails, and an upgraded parking area.
According to Journal files, the improvements are funded by a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The project was designed by TRL Architecture, and will be constructed by PKM Construction. mbj
