New Caledonia: Authorities reduce nightly territorywide curfew, reopen La Tontouta International Airport from June 17 /update 11

Authorities announced the reduction of the nightly curfew throughout New Caledonia to 20:00-6:00 from 17. Additional restrictions, such as a ban on unauthorized public gatherings, the sale of alcohol, and the transportation of weapons, will continue to remain in place. La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) has announced it will reopen to commercial flights on June 17, with there already being limited flights by Aircalin (SB) between the territory and several other countries, such as Australia, Fiji, Singapore, and Wallis. Noumea Magenta Airport (GEA) is open, and domestic flights by Air Caledonie (TY) connecting Noumea with Isle of Pines, Lifou, Mare, and Ouvea are available. Air New Zealand (NZ) has halted flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Noumea Magenta Airport until September 28.

Commercial and transport services continue to reopen gradually across the territory. Gas stations in the North Province and in Dumbea and Noumea have resumed limited operations. Schools across the territory will remain closed through at least mid-June. While the Taneo and Rai buses in Noumea remain canceled, several transport operators, including ferry services from Noumea to Lifou and Mare, as well as bus services in Lifou, have resumed operations. The Directorate of Infrastructure, Topography, and Land Transport (DIT) has announced the reopening of its counters in Vallee du Tir on June 13 between 09:00-12:00. This deals with issues concerning transport services, driver's licenses, and registration certificates.

Heightened security measures and lingering disruptions will likely persist territorywide over the coming weeks. Over 3,000 security personnel will remain deployed across the territory through at least mid-August to ensure order. Fresh escalations are especially possible if negotiations with pro-independence groups fail in the coming weeks. Potential gathering sites include military barracks, government buildings such as the Congress of New Caledonia and the High Commission of the Republic offices, public squares, and thoroughfares. The largest gatherings will probably continue to materialize in downtown Noumea. Well-attended gatherings have previously drawn tens of thousands of participants. Reports indicate the use of firearms by both protesters and security forces, sustaining the risk of further violent altercations. Security forces may use live ammunition/batons/tear gas/water cannons to disperse unruly crowds. In the event of widespread violence, officials may reimpose the state of emergency; under such orders, authorities have additional powers to close public spaces, conduct administrative searches, block websites deemed a security risk, and conduct residential subpoenas. Officials of Australia, the UK, and the US continue to advise their citizens to reconsider travel to all or part of the island; other countries may revise their travel advisories if significant violence persists.

Lingering disruptions, such as long queues for essential items, will likely persist in the coming days even as commercial operations resume. Precautionary business closures, especially in Noumea, cannot be ruled out due to the threat of recurring violence and a potential increase in opportunistic crimes.