The government in Tonga says it has given Fiji Airways consent to operate an international route to and from Vava'u, and it is now awaiting the airline's official application to do so.
Fiji Airways, formerly known as Air Pacific, withdrew its international service from Fiji to Vava'u about three years ago.
Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Samiu Vaipulu, says bilateral agreements are already in place, and it's up to Fiji Airways to confirm a time for commencing operations.
"We need an official application from them to Tonga Airports Ltd, and then we can talk because it's a government enterprise as well, government can help out if there is the need for that. We will see what Fiji Airways would like to do, and where they would need the help, if we are able to do it, then we would do it."
Samiu Vaipulu says the direct route from Fiji to Vava'u would be very beneficial for tourism.
