Virgin Australia is cancelling its daily Cairns to Tokyo service, with the final departure on February 24, 2025, saying lower-than-expected visitation from Japan is a key factor in the decision.

About 2000 passengers booked on flights after that date be offered a refund.

“Withdrawing from Cairns-Tokyo services was a tough decision, but unfortunately the recovery of inbound visitors from Japan is significantly below forecast and therefore operating our own service to Tokyo is no longer commercially viable,” Virgin Australia Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer, Alistair Hartley, said.

“It was a tough decision, but unfortunately the recovery of inbound visitors from Japan is significantly below forecast and therefore operating our own service to Tokyo is no longer commercially viable.”

“We know this is disappointing news and we are sorry for the impact this decision will have on those guests booked to travel with us from 24 February 2025,” Hartley added.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft currently winging between Cairns and Tokyo will be moved onto domestic flights. Virgin Australia had only introduced the Cairns-Tokyo services in June last year.

Those who booked through a travel agent or third-party booking website have been urged to contact them to request a refund and make alternative travel arrangements.

“We know this is disappointing news and we are sorry for the impact this decision will have on those guests booked to travel with us from 24 February 2025.”

The number of visitors from Japan to Australia is about up to 35 per cent below pre-Covid levels and the Japanese Yen continues to be weak against the Australian dollar.

Virgin will continue its partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), that offers up to 17 flights per week between Australia and Japan.

“We have a strong partnership with ANA which will allow us to continue to support inbound tourism from Japan to Australia and through to popular tourist destinations like Far North Queensland,” Hartley said.

“Equally, Virgin Australia customers and Velocity Frequent Flyer members will be able to book seamless flights with ANA from just about anywhere in Australia to Japan directly on our website. We will also continue to provide Velocity Points earn, Rewards Seats and loyalty benefits on eligible ANA flights.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the Queensland Government for its partnership in launching our Tokyo services and its ongoing support for Virgin Australia as one of the largest carriers of tourists to the Sunshine State.”