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Those planning a trip to Noumea in the next few months may be disappointed to discover Air New Zealand has paused flights on the route.
No flights are available to book for June, July, August, and most of September, on the Auckland to Noumea route.
Flights cannot currently be booked on the route through the Air New Zealand website until September 28, when the route seems to resume.
Air New Zealand general manager short-haul Jeremy O’Brien says given the continued closure of the airport and ongoing uncertainty it’s challenging for the airline to continue operations in New Caledonia in the short term.
“We understand that this will be disappointing for customers who have travel plans to and from Nouméa and we apologise for the disruption this causes. It’s not a decision we have taken lightly, and we’re committed to returning to Nouméa after September 28.”
Customers booked directly with Air New Zealand to travel to Nouméa will have their flights automatically held in credit. Due to limited options and continued uncertainty in the region, customers will not be rebooked on flights to Nouméa via alternative services. Customers can also opt to receive a full refund on their booking.
Customers booked through a travel agent should contact their travel agent directly to discuss the options available to them.
“We’d like to thank customers in advance for their patience and understanding at this time.”
Unrest in the island nation has led to a number of travel disruptions, including seeing more than 200 New Zealanders stuck after Noumea closed its airport. The New Zealand Defence Force carried out repatriation flights in mid-late May.
Riots erupted in New Caledonia in May following a controversial voting reform that aimed to change existing conditions which prevent up to one-fifth of the population from voting in provincial elections.
SafeTravel recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to New Caledonia due to civil unrest, and warns Kiwis who are still in the region to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies.
