Air New Zealand to extend pause on Noumea flights due to unrest in New Caledonia

Air New Zealand announced it is extending its suspension of flight services to La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) in Noumea until October 2025.

The Kiwi flag carrier cited “challenges” with aircraft and engine availability, along with civil unrest in New Caledonia as the reason for the extended suspension.

The airline first announced the suspension of its services to Noumea in early June 2024, advising that it will resume flights to the island country in September 2024. A month later however, the carrier decided to further extend this until December 2024.

“Due to the ongoing challenges with aircraft and engine availability, coupled with ongoing uncertainty in New Caledonia, Air New Zealand has extended the pause on its Auckland – Nouméa service,” Air New Zealand General Manager International Jeremy O’Brien said in a statement.

“This service will now be paused until late October 2025. We understand this will be disappointing for customers who have travel plans to and from Nouméa,” O’Brien added.

New Caledonia, a French territory since 1853, has been rife with tensions and riots this year after the French National Assembly passed a constitutional amendment that will undermine the political representation of the Pacific territory’s pro-independence Indigenous Kanak people.

Air New Zealand said customers booked directly with the airline to travel to Noumea will have their flights automatically held in credit. 

“Customers will not be rebooked on flights to Nouméa and can opt to receive a full refund on their booking. Those who booked through a travel agent should contact them directly to discuss the options available to them,” the airline said.

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