Flights Canceled as Nouméa Airports Shut Down Amid Riots in New Caledonia

New Caledonia’s main airports, Nouméa La Tontouta and Nouméa Magenta, were closed, and all flights were canceled following intense rioting in Nouméa and nearby townships. The unrest, which erupted over proposed constitutional reforms, prompted the imposition of an island-wide curfew after rioters set vehicles and buildings on fire on the night of May 13.

Both airports, which serve as critical hubs for international and domestic flights, issued closure notices effective May 14. Aircalin (SB) managed to operate a post-midnight flight to Singapore Changi on May 14, but subsequently canceled later flights to destinations such as Sydney, Auckland, and Nadi. The airline has also preemptively canceled flights for May 15 and 16 due to the ongoing unrest.

Air Calédonie (TY), primarily operating domestic flights from Nouméa Magenta, canceled routes to Lifou, Maré, Île des Pins, and Ouvéa. Air Loyauté, another carrier at Nouméa Magenta, reported no scheduled flights until May 15.

This closure compounds the challenges faced by the aviation sector in the Southwest Pacific, already reeling from Air Vanuatu’s recent entry into voluntary administration and the cessation of its international services. This development led Aircalin to terminate its codeshare agreement with Air Vanuatu, further affecting regional connectivity.

Nouméa’s airport closures highlight the broader impact of political and social unrest on commercial aviation in regions like New Caledonia, a French overseas collectivity with considerable autonomy as outlined in the 1998 Nouméa Accord. The situation remains fluid as local authorities and airlines navigate the disruptions caused by the ongoing riots.