More than a month after civil unrest forced its closure, New Caledonia’s major gateway, Nouméa-La Tontouta International Airport, has reopened for commercial flights.
In an update on social media, the airport says it reopened today with some parking and entry restrictions in place.
“Our teams are mobilised to prepare for this reopening and welcome you in the best possible conditions,” the post states.
“Access to the airport will be possible by private vehicles or authorised carriers, shuttles are no longer mandatory.”
According to the hub, parking at P1 and minute drop-offs will not be accessible. Consequently, vehicles will be required to drop off passengers at the P1 parking level. Only passengers with a travel certificate will be able to enter the airport.
Picking up incoming passengers is allowed by stating passengers’ names at the access point.
The airport will make further updates as they come to hand.
With the reopening of Nouméa-La Tontouta, Aircalin will operate limited commercial flights as it continues a phased resumption of services.
Last week, New Caledonia’s national airline operated some flights to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. It will operate more flights from Noumea to Sydney and Melbourne this week, commencing later today.
The carrier will also continue to operate limited services between Noumea and Auckland, Tokyo, Singapore, Nadi (Fiji) and Papeete (French Polynesia) over the next few days.
The airline says that its staffing levels have been “significantly impacted” due to the recent crisis “and the volume of customer contact is extremely high”. So passengers could see longer than normal waiting times.
In late May, the Federal Government arranged special repatriation flights for Australians stuck in New Caledonia. Among the hundreds of Aussies stranded at the time were several Australasian travel agents.
Situation on the ground
Despite an improvement in the situation in the capital city Noumea, an overnight curfew will remain in place. The sale of alcohol is also still banned.
However, in a positive development, the curfew will start from 8pm instead of 6pm starting tonight due to “the improvement in the situation and in order to facilitate the gradual return of normal life”, the French territory’s high commissioner, Louis Le Franc stated on Sunday.
Le Franc said daytime traffic had been restored on the highway to the airport after more than 60 barricades erected by protesters had been gradually removed, the ABC reported.
According to the latest update from New Caledonia Tourism, traffic in Noumea is still disrupted, transport services are limited and access to shops and services in Noumea is available during adjusted hours only.
“Although most tourists have been repatriated, we encourage any remaining travellers to limit their movements and contact their consulate,” it states.
“Travellers departing for New Caledonia in the coming weeks are advised to postpone their trip by contacting their airline or travel agent.”
In an update on 13 June, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continues to advise Australians to “reconsider your need to travel to New Caledonia”.
“Political tensions and unrest may increase again in the lead-up to French elections in late June and early July,” it says on its Smartraveller website.
