Europe to Tonga fares stay high until late 2026 amid aircraft shortage

Flights between Europe and Tonga remain unusually expensive: a return trip from London to Tonga in October 2025 costs between €2,350 and €2,900, compared with roughly €1,450 in 2019. The main driver is not fuel prices but a shortage of aircraft, and fares are not expected to fall significantly until late 2026.

Key facts

• London to Tonga return fare in October 2025: €2,350–€2,900, against about €1,450 in 2019
• Typical return fare from Europe to Nukuʻalofa: €1,900 or more
• No nonstop flights between Europe and Tonga; total journey times of about 32–40 hours
• All travellers must file a Digital Passenger Declaration at least 24 hours before departure
• Schengen citizens generally receive a free visitor visa on arrival for up to 90 days

Why are flights to Tonga so expensive?

Three factors are pushing up prices. A global engine recall has left several Air New Zealand aircraft in repair shops for months at a time. Those same planes operate the final leg from Auckland to Tonga, so fewer aircraft means fewer seats, and airlines charge more when seats are scarce.

Long-haul costs are higher as well. European carriers such as British Airways and Lufthansa must route around the Russian airspace ban, adding hours to flights towards Asia and the Pacific. The extra flying time means more fuel, and those costs are passed on to passengers.

Competition is also limited. Only Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways really serve Tonga, and Chinese carriers have not fully returned to these Pacific routes. Without rivals, there is little pressure on airlines to reduce fares.

When will fares come down?

Air New Zealand expects most of its grounded aircraft back in service in late 2026. Until that happens, prices are unlikely to drop significantly, and no more precise timetable for cheaper fares has been given. Booking early and staying flexible with dates is the advice for the period ahead.

How do you fly from Europe to Tonga?

There is no nonstop service between Europe and Tonga. Every routing requires at least one connection, with typical total journey times of about 32–40 hours, most commonly through Auckland, Nadi or Los Angeles. Connection windows of 2.5 to 4 hours are suggested for international-to-international transfers to cover customs, security and gate changes.

Baggage allowances often shrink on the final leg. While European sectors commonly allow 2 × 23 kg, the Fiji or New Zealand to Tonga sector may restrict economy passengers to 1 × 23 kg or 20 kg in total on smaller aircraft, and excess baggage on Pacific routes can cost $15–20 per kg. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online can cost up to 50% less than paying at the airport counter.

What do you need to enter Tonga?

Tonga streamlined its arrival process in late 2025. All travellers must complete a Digital Passenger Declaration at least 24 hours before departure, uploading accommodation details and, if requested, vaccination status to generate a QR code for immigration. Paper forms are largely phased out but kept as backups, and travellers who skip the online step risk significant delays at Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU).

Citizens of Schengen member countries generally receive a free visitor visa on arrival valid for up to 90 days. They must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and a confirmed return or onward ticket; without an onward ticket, boarding may be refused in Europe or Fiji. The visa is for tourism only — business activity requires a different permit arranged in advance.

What else should travellers prepare for?

Tonga applies strict biosecurity rules. All food items must be declared, and an undeclared sandwich or piece of fruit can bring an instant fine of 400–500 Pa'anga (€150–200); declared prohibited items are simply confiscated without a fine. Cash also matters: ATMs at Fuaʻamotu International are frequently out of service or empty and currency booths close early, so carrying $100–200 in USD, AUD or NZD is recommended. Taxis to Nukuʻalofa cost about 40–50 Pa'anga ($20 USD), and drivers rarely accept cards.

What this means for travellers

• Book flights early and keep travel dates flexible while aircraft remain grounded
• Complete the Digital Passenger Declaration at least 24 hours before departure
• Carry a passport valid six months beyond the stay and a confirmed return or onward ticket
• Check the baggage allowance on the regional leg to Tonga and buy extra allowance in advance if needed
• Bring cash and declare all food items on arrival

No further milestones have been announced beyond late 2026, when Air New Zealand expects most of its grounded aircraft to return to service.