Cairns to Haneda: Virgin Australia launches new Japan route with return flights to Toyko

Virgin Australia has launched a brand new route between Australia and Japan with the popular airline selling direct return flights from $699. 

The airline now has flights going between Cairns and Tokyo for the first time with same-day connecting flights scheduled from major cities across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. 

The first flight on the new route left Cairns at 1.15pm on Wednesday and was due to arrive at Haneda Airport by 8pm local time.

The airline has also put up 2,000 seats for grabs each week, and is promoting its ‘Take off for Tokyo’ sale offering travellers an Economy Lite return ticket from $699.

The airline is promoting its ‘Take off for Tokyo’ sale offering travellers keen to take in the sights in Tokyo (pictured) an Economy Lite return ticket from $699 (pictured)

Same-day connecting flights to Cairns (pictured) will also be scheduled from major cities across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane

The hot sale will go to midnight AEST on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, unless sold out sooner.

‘We expect the fares to sell out quickly so we are encouraging travellers to get in early to make the most of the sale,’ Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO and Japan Services Representative, Nick Rohrlach said.

‘We know that Cairns has consistently ranked as one of the most popular tourist destinations among Japanese visitors to Australia and we are thrilled to unlock a new convenient gateway for Japanese travellers.’

Mr Rohrlach said the airline would also provide Japanese food on board the Cairns to Haneda flight which includes a Japanese bento box, pan fried pork dumplings and miso soup on the menu. 

Cairns Airport chief operating officer Garry Porter said the new services was good timing, saying the mild winter weather in North Queensland is the ‘perfect backdrop’ for visitors.

The hot sale will go to midnight AEST on Tuesday, July 4 2023 unless sold out sooner