Traffic of almost 638,000 passengers in 2024, probably less in 2025, just enough for the operations of a single airport. But that's not the case in New Caledonia... Air transport in this Pacific territory has always been split between two airports at Nouméa: Nouméa-La Tontouta handles international traffic; Nouméa-Magenta serves domestic traffic. The former generates some 360,000 passengers a year, the latter around 280,000. The 50km distance between the two does not make it easy to connect international and domestic traffic. The former is in fact the island's historic airport, having welcomed aircraft on the Paris route since 1949.
Has pragmatism finally prevailed? It's not really the reason, but rather budgetary issues. Faced with financial difficulties, the territorial government is looking for any way it can to make savings. And closing an airport is one of them.
In an official communication, the government explains that, ". in view of New Caledonia's tight budgetary situation and the critical situation faced by the domestic carrier Air Calédonie for several years now, the plan to transfer Air Calédonie's operations from Magenta airport to La Tontouta international airport has been made official, in consultation with the parties concerned" .
Late awakening
For the New Caledonian authorities, the operation is a win-win situation. It will physically unite Air Calédonie and Aircalin within the same area, thus encouraging optimised coordination and the pooling of resources. It should ensure the economic survival of Air Calédonie. One might think that it will end up merging with AirCalin in the longer term.
The region has also undertaken to maintain domestic fares as far as possible. All the more so as the Loyalty Islands are equidistant from La Tontouta and Magenta. For traffic to the Isle of Pines, ticket subsidies will be set at the same level as for the Loyalty Islands to compensate for a likely increase.
The merger will optimise airport infrastructure, reduce operating costs and improve service quality. From 2 March, passengers on international flights will be able to connect directly to domestic flights, and vice versa. What remains to be seen is why no-one has taken this step sooner.
