Australia will send two government-assisted flights for citizens and other tourists to leave New Caledonia, amid deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong confirmed Australia had been cleared for two flights after the international airport closed.
“We continue to work on more flights,” he wrote on social media platform X on Tuesday. “Passengers are being prioritized based on their needs.”
Australia’s Consul General in New Caledonia, Annelise Young, posted on “.
Australia will send two government-assisted flights for citizens and other tourists to leave New Caledonia, amid deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory. In the photo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong.
Senator Wong spoke to her New Zealand and French counterparts on Monday to request access to the territory.
The Australian Defense Force was prepared to assist and ready to fly as soon as they were allowed, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
A New Zealand government plane will also head to New Caledonia on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed.
“New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a difficult few days and bringing them home has been an urgent priority for the government,” he said.
“In cooperation with France and Australia, we are working on subsequent flights in the coming days.”
Tuesday’s New Zealand flight will carry about 50 passengers with the most urgent needs back to Auckland.
About 300 Australians have registered with the New Caledonia Department of Foreign Affairs.
At least six people were killed and hundreds more injured after violence broke out last week following controversial electoral reforms approved in Paris.
A Kanak flag flying next to a burning vehicle at a roadblock in La Tamoa, in the commune of Paita in New Caledonia.
At least six people were killed and hundreds more injured after violence broke out in New Caledonia (pictured) last week following controversial electoral reforms approved in Paris.
Police and tactical squad officers (pictured) blocked roads in a bid to restore order as violence escalated.
Some 270 rioters have been arrested and a curfew has been imposed from 6pm to 6am.
France has sent 1,050 security personnel and hundreds more will join on Tuesday in a bid to control the violence.
The reopening of the international airport to commercial flights will be re-evaluated on Thursday.
Australia has urged people to reconsider their need to travel to New Caledonia, while those in the territory have been advised to limit their movements.