Image Source: Michael West

Australian airline Qantas has today clarified that it will operate a daily service to Fiji for a short period over Christmas and New Year.

A Qantas spokesperson says by doing so it will be providing more seats, helping boost visitor numbers which ultimately supports the Fijian economy.

Qantas which is a major shareholder and long-standing commercial partner of Fiji Airways, announced in January, that it would be starting its own services to Fiji making them a major competitor to the national airline.

Fiji Airways says Qantas’ sudden flip from ally to adversary has been very damaging for the national carrier.

Qantas provides its code on the majority of Fiji Airways services between Australia and Fiji and Qantas says it remains committed to that arrangement.

Qantas and Jetstar both operate services between Sydney and Nadi offering a mix of leisure and premium travel options to meet market demand.