Cook Islands welcomes new flights and codeshare partners

Jetstar has announced its fifth weekly non-stop service from Sydney to Rarotonga starting from May 2025, strengthening connections from Australia to the Cook Islands.

The news comes shortly after Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga announced an exciting new codeshare partnership, enhancing air travel connectivity between Europe, the United States and the Cook Islands via Tahiti and enabling a more seamless travel experience across the South Pacific.

The introduction of Jetstar’s fifth weekly service in the Cook Islands for 6 months of the year is expected to bring over 40,000 addition visitors in 2025. Jetstar will now operate flights departing Sydney on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:30 p.m., arriving in Rarotonga on the same day.

With Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga new codeshare partnership passengers will enjoy greater flexibility, expanded route options, and convenient connections between two of the Pacific’s most stunning island destinations.

Under the agreement, Air Tahiti Nui will place its “TN” code on select Air Rarotonga flights, while Air Rarotonga will apply its “GZ” code on Air Tahiti Nui flights. This will allow travellers to book a single ticket and experience smoother transfers between Papeete, Rarotonga, and beyond.

Key Benefits of the Codeshare Partnership:

• Expanded Flight Network: Travellers gain easier access to islands in both the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, with convenient connections through major hubs such as Faa’a International Airport in Papeete (PPT) and Rarotonga International Airport (RAR).
  
  
• Streamlined Travel: Passengers can book their entire journey on one ticket, simplifying the travel process from check-in to baggage handling, with seamless onward connections between both airline networks.
  
  
• Enhanced Passenger Experience: Coordinated flight schedules offer more travel options and shorter waiting times for connecting flights.