Aircalin will update its Australian routes with additional seasonal services between 27 October 2024 and 29 March 2025 in response to travel demand as the South Pacific nation stabilises after recent civil unrest and strikes that saw flights grounded.
Aircalin will double its Brisbane-Nouméa return flights to twice weekly, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays, and confirmed its Sydney rotations to two per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. The direct Melbourne service is still cancelled.
The national carrier will also operate one weekly return trip on Sundays between Auckland and Nouméa.
The updated schedule comes after all Nouméa flights were grounded due to strikes and civil unrest in May 2024.
Aircalin and Qantas continued to operate a limited flight schedule per week during this time.
Air New Zealand suspended flights between Nouméa and Auckland until 11 December and Qantas stopped flights between Nouméa and Brisbane until 8 September 2024.
New Caledonia travel advice
In an update to its travel industry partners, New Caledonia Tourism (NCT) said the country remains a “vibrant and welcoming destination” despite recent challenges.
In August, NCT recommended postponing trips to New Caledonia over the next two months but urged travellers to maintain their forward bookings as the country adapted to curfews and changes.
In its latest update (15 August), the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) continued to advise Australians to “reconsider your need to travel to New Caledonia due to ongoing civil unrest and travel disruptions”.
“Political tensions and unrest may increase at short notice. There’s an increased police and security presence. Security incidents, including arson and carjacking, continue across the country.”
On its Smartraveller website, DFAT also recommends Aussies “avoid demonstrations and public gatherings”.
“You’ll need to assess your situation before travelling. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities,” it adds.
