Brisbane’s South Pacific network expands to Cook Islands

Brisbane Airport has secured its 35th direct international connection with Jetstar to commence flights to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands from May 2026. The new service will operate three times a week, offering Queenslanders a low-cost, non-stop connection to one of the South Pacific’s most popular and picturesque island escapes. Flights will be operated by Jetstar’s A321neo LR aircraft.  “With the launch of Rarotonga, our 35th international destination, we’re not just adding a new route, we’re strengthening Brisbane’s position as the gateway to paradise,” says Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff. “Brisbane offers Australia’s largest network of direct flights to South Pacific destinations, which is vital for supporting tourism, trade, and cultural connections. And because this newest flight is from Jetstar, Queenslanders can count on great-value tickets to one of the world’s most breathtaking island escapes.”  Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said the announcement was significant for the nation. “Tourism is the backbone of the Cook Island’s economy, contributing approximately 75 per cent of the country’s GDP.  The new services from Jetstar will provide a major boost to our tourism sector and the financial impact for local tourism operators and the nation will be positive. We are delighted that Jetstar is making this commitment to the Cook Islands, and Cook Islanders are always ready to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles.” “Queensland is at the heart of Jetstar’s international growth, and we’re thrilled to be launching direct flights from Brisbane to the breathtaking island of Rarotonga, a true South Pacific gem,” says Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully. “This new route builds on the incredible demand we’re seeing out of Queensland, with six international services launched or announced in just six months. When these flights start in May 2026, Jetstar will be providing more than 110,000 seats each year to and from the Cook Islands.  We’re proud to work with our partners including the Cook Islands Government, to give more Australians the chance to experience this incredible destination.” Cathay Pacific’s non-stop Hong Kong-Brussels flights return Cathay Pacific has restarted four-times-weekly flights between Hong Kong and Brussels. The new service reestablishes an important direct link between the airline’s home city and the Heart of Europe, offering customers even greater choice, connectivity and convenience. With its return to Brussels and increased flight frequencies on other routes, Cathay Pacific is operating close to 100 return flights per week between Hong Kong and Europe this summer peak season. This includes five daily flights to London, daily flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Paris and Zurich, four weekly flights to Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid and Munich, and three weekly flights to Rome. Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “We are very pleased to be back in Brussels, directly connecting our home hub with one of Europe’s major political centres and a tourism destination that’s steeped in history and culture. Our new service offers excellent flight timings in both directions, enabling customers to wake up refreshed with a full day ahead whether they are arriving in Brussels or Hong Kong. Cathay has a long history in Europe stretching back more than four decades. This year alone, we have launched services to three new destinations in Europe with new flights to Rome and Munich having already taken off in June. With increased frequencies to other popular European cities this summer as well, we’re making it even easier for customers to travel between Asia and Europe.” Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Brussels flights are operated with the airline’s Airbus A350-900, one of the most advanced aircraft in its fleet. The A350-900 offers fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and extended comfort in the airline’s award-winning Economy. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]