The service, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, will continue to operate as part of a contract awarded to Qantas by the Federal Government and will help maintain strong trade, tourism and people to people links between Australia and Palau.
The extension of the ‘Palau Paradise Express’ comes in response to strong market demand and significant growth in Australian visitation since Qantas began operating the service. In the first six months of 2025, Palau has recorded a 113 per cent increase in visitor arrivals compared to the same period in 2024, with Australian travellers playing a major role in the destination’s tourism resurgence.
Known for its globally renowned marine life and commitment to sustainability, Australians have been drawn to the destination in spades with 75 per cent of Australians visiting as first-time travellers.
The route will continue operating weekly, departing from Brisbane on a Saturday, on a Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft, arriving in Koror in just six hours. The renewed service provides Australians with seamless connectivity to a destination suited to travellers seeking a luxurious, adventure-filled and sustainable escape.
Palau is an archipelago with 300 islands fringed by coral reefs, turquoise waters and home to the UNESCO-listed picture-perfect Rock Islands, one of the most environmentally protected destinations in the Pacific.
Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said the airline was pleased to renew its direct service to Palau, following strong demand from Australian travellers.
“We’re thrilled to announce the renewal of our direct Palau service. It has been incredibly rewarding to see so many Australians discovering this destination for the first time since we launched the route, and the response has been phenomenal.
“It’s also great to see the significant rise in visitor arrivals to Palau, with Aussie travellers being a driving force behind this remarkable result. This strong demand reinforces our commitment to connecting Australians with unique destinations and supporting Palau’s growing tourism industry.”
Palau has transformed from a little-known island nation into one of the most talked-about destinations among Australians in 2025. March and April saw the highest year-on-year growth in Australian arrivals, with March alone increasing by 146 per cent, reflecting a growing curiosity to explore this remote and pristine corner of Micronesia.
Director of Palau Visitors Authority, Kadoi Ruluked, said he is delighted the route has already delivered strong results for the country’s tourism economy.
“Australian travellers have really embraced the Qantas route, with many visiting Palau for the first time to explore our spectacular dive sites. Local tour operators are already seeing the benefits, with strong interest across a range of experiences from traditional sailing tours around the Rock Islands to WWII history adventures on Peleliu.
“The continuation of this route is a vital step in supporting our tourism sector’s long-term growth. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Qantas to make Palau more accessible to Australian travellers and cement our country as a destination on the rise.”
The resurgence in visitation has also catalysed broader travel trade engagement:
- Six new wholesale partners have contracted Palau product in 2025, driving 20 new bookable itineraries into the Australian market.
- Palau is now featured by major retailers, OTAs and wholesalers including Ignite Travel Group, Luxury Escapes and Entire Travel Group.
- More than 100 Australian travel agents have registered interest in visiting Palau via self-famil offers this year alone, further strengthening the destination’s footprint in the trade sector.
The Palau Visitors Authority, in partnership with key trade partners, is also rolling out cooperative marketing campaigns across print, EDM, digital, social and retail platforms in July through to September.
A consumer awareness campaign with a leading Australian media publisher will run from late July to September, driving consideration and conversion across digital channels.
To learn more about Palau, visit pristineparadisepalau.com.
