Fiji Airways has defended its high airfare on the Tuvalu route.
It said the fare reflected the lower economies of scale that exist on remote routes.
The airline was responding to calls to cut the airfare between Suva and Funafuti.
Fijians living in Tuvalu last week raised their concerns over the price with prime minister Frank Bainimarama.
It costs FJ$2,040 return.
Fiji Airways did not confirm whether the PM's office had been in touch over the community's request.
Mr Bainimarama had assured the community he would look into the matter.
But the airline said in a statement it operates the smaller ATR aircraft to Tuvalu because of the distance and the infrastructure limitations at the airport in Funafuti.
The earlier customers book, the "better the opportunity is for them to access cheaper fares", it said.
The community also voiced its disappointment over the meals being served by Fiji Airways.
The airline said its onboard meal experience was designed to suit the time of day and duration of the flight.
Light refreshments are offered on flights under three hours and for regional flights, Fiji Airways said.
