The end of Virgin Australia's Cairns-Tokyo service is in view

Virgin Australia has announced it will cease operating its once daily flight between Cairns and Tokyo, Haneda from 24 February 2025 becasue passenger numbers have not rebounded enough following the COVID pandemic. The route is flown using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will be redeployed on domestice flights from 25 February.

The airline first launched its Cairns-Tokyo, Haneda services in June 2023. However, a below forecast recovery of visitors travelling from Japan to Australia due to sustained weakness in the Japanese Yen, has impacted demand for the services, rendering the route commercially unsustainable.   

There are approximately 2,000 impacted customers travelling with Virgin Australia to Tokyo, Haneda after 24 February 2025. Customers who booked for travel after 24 February via virginaustralia.com will be contacted by email within the next 24 hours to arrange a refund of their booking.  

Customers who booked through a travel agency or third-party booking website are encouraged to contact them to request a refund and to make alternative travel arrangements.  

Impacted customers should refer to the Virgin Australia Guest Compensation Policy (located on the Virgin Australia website) for further information on their options and a link to Virgin Australia’s Consumer Guarantees page.   

Virgin Australia remains committed to providing guests with great service and value onboard its remaining Cairns-Haneda services until 24 February 2025. 

.