Air Tahiti Nui Cancels Papeete-Seattle Route Due to Unprofitability

What's Happening?

Air Tahiti Nui has announced the cancellation of its route between Papeete, French Polynesia, and Seattle, USA, effective January 28, 2026. This decision comes after the route was identified as the airline's most unprofitable, generating a loss of 1.68 billion XPF (16.3 million USD). The route, which was launched in October 2022, struggled with low demand and consistently low load factors. Despite efforts to boost connectivity through a partnership with Alaska Airlines and extending service to Paris, the route did not achieve the expected financial performance.

Why It's Important?

The cancellation of the Papeete-Seattle route highlights the challenges airlines face in maintaining profitable international routes, especially in niche markets. For Air Tahiti Nui, this move is part of a broader restructuring effort to focus on more profitable routes and optimize its network. The decision underscores the importance of strategic route planning and the need for airlines to adapt to changing market conditions. It also reflects the competitive nature of the airline industry, where partnerships and route extensions may not always lead to success. The airline's focus will now shift to exploring alternative destinations that offer better financial prospects.

What's Next?

Air Tahiti Nui is considering new destinations to replace the Seattle route, with Honolulu, San Francisco, and Sydney being potential candidates. Each of these destinations offers distinct advantages, such as better geographic positioning and higher demand potential. The airline will likely conduct market analysis to determine the most viable option. Additionally, the restructuring may involve further adjustments to its existing routes to improve overall profitability. Stakeholders, including passengers and partner airlines, will be closely monitoring these developments to assess the impact on travel options and connectivity.