Air New Zealand, the national airline of New Zealand, has recommended that passengers with travel plans to and from Nouméa postpone them until mid-December due to the ongoing uncertainties in New Caledonia.
In a statement released on Monday, Air New Zealand announced the extension of its suspension of the Auckland-Nouméa service, citing concerns for passenger safety.
The airline halted flights between Auckland and Nouméa, the capital of the French territory, on June 15 due to violent civil unrest. Initially planning to resume flights on September 28, the airline has now decided to extend the suspension until December 14.
Jeremy O’Brien, the General Manager International, emphasized that there are still “pockets of unrest” in New Caledonia, and safety remains their top priority. He expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to customers with travel plans to and from Nouméa.
Customers who have booked directly with Air New Zealand for travel to Nouméa will have their flights automatically held in credit, as the airline has limited options and faces continued uncertainty in the region. Rebooking on alternative services to Nouméa is not available.
Additionally, customers have the option to request a full refund for their booking. For customers who booked through a travel agent, Air New Zealand advises them to contact their agents directly to explore the available options.
