Air New Zealand has decided to prolong its suspension of flight services to La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) in Noumea until October 2025. This Kiwi flag carrier explained that challenges related to aircraft and engine availability, combined with civil unrest in New Caledonia, have led to this extension. Initially announced back in early June 2024 with a plan to resume flights by September 2024, Air New Zealand later opted to push back the resumption until December of the same year.

In a statement, Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand's General Manager International, stated, “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.” He further expressed, “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.”

Since 1853, New Caledonia, a French territory, has been marred by tensions and riots, especially after the passing of a constitutional amendment by the French National Assembly that could potentially undermine the political representation of the pro-independence Indigenous Kanak people of the Pacific territory.

Air New Zealand has assured that customers who made direct bookings for flights to Noumea will have their flights automatically held in credit. Additionally, the airline mentioned, “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.”