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The Fijian Government have offered Real Tonga an Airlines Services Permit for the Suva Tongatapu route pending the Foreign Air Operator Certificate which is currently under assessment by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
This is very good news for Real Tonga who primarily operate domestic flights. However, in recent months the airline has taken steps towards serving internationally one step at a time. So far, Real Tonga’s only regional route has been to from Tongatapu to Apia – Samoa.
On the other hand, Fiji Airways has been operating flights to Tonga since the early 60’s as Air pacific. Nonetheless there has been no direct flight from Tonga to Suva since April 2018. Passengers travelling between Suva and Tongatapu have since had to go through Nadi. So a direct flight will greatly decrease their travel time.
This is exceptionally good news as many Tongans do need to reach Suva regularly. Many Tongan students attend their tertiary studies in Fiji. Universities including University of South Pacific, Fiji National University, Fiji School of Medicine, Australian Pacific Training Coalition and other Theological Colleges accommodate lots of Tongan students.
Numerous regional seminars also take place in Suva which compels government officials from Tonga to reach Suva on a regular basis. And in particular, the USA embassy and immigration services that cater for the South Pacific region are based in Suva. This direct route will also be an additional option for passengers travelling to either Auckland or Sydney from Fiji. Real Tonga will operate 2 return flights a week between Fua’amotu (Tonga) and Nausori Airport (Fiji).
