Air New Zealand extends suspension of Auckland-Nouméa flights

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

New Zealand’s national airline has advised passengers with travel plans to and from Noumea to postpone their flights until mid-December due to ongoing uncertainty in New Caledonia.

In a statement on Monday, Air New Zealand said the suspension of Auckland-Noumea flights had been extended due to passenger safety concerns.

Due to violent unrest, the national airline suspended flights between Auckland and the French territory’s capital, Nouméa, on 15 June.

The airline said it had planned to resume flights on September 28 but has now extended the suspension until December 14.

Jeremy O’Brien, General Manager International, said there was still “unrest” in New Caledonia and that “security is paramount”.

“We understand that this is disappointing for customers with travel plans to and from Nouméa and we apologize for any disruption this may cause.

“We did not make this decision lightly, but with ongoing community unrest, safety is our top priority.”

The airline said that customers who booked a trip to Nouméa directly with Air New Zealand would automatically have their flights credited.

“Due to limited options and ongoing uncertainty in the region, customers will not be rebooked onto flights to Nouméa via alternative services.”

“Customers can also opt for a full refund of their booking,” the airline said.

Customers who have booked through a travel agent are advised to contact them directly to discuss the options available to them.