Evacuation flights leave Australia and New Zealand for New Caledonia after a week of fatal riots.
France's High Commission announced that commercial flights to New Caledonia's airport remain closed today. They also plan to deploy soldiers to safeguard public buildings. Approximately 3,200 individuals are waiting to exit or enter New Caledonia due to Friday's flight cancellations as a result of the unrest that took place. Around 1,000 French gendarmes and police officers are working already, while another 600 will join them soon. This week, six people have lost their lives, and the violence has left a trail of burned businesses, vehicles, and shops. More than 150 companies have been looted and destroyed.
On Monday evening, the foreign ministers of New Zealand, France, and Australia held a call. New Zealand and Australia were delayed in sending their defense planes to evacuate tourists since they were awaiting the green light from the French authorities. On Tuesday, a meeting between France's Defense Council granted authorization for tourists to return to their homelands. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the government prioritized the evacuation of New Zealanders in New Caledonia and commended the support of both French and New Caledonian authorities. "It's been a tough few days for New Zealanders in New Caledonia, and bringing them home has been a top priority for the government," he added. Winston Peters confirmed that additional flights would be sent in the days to come.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong shared on Tuesday that permission had been granted for two "Australian government-assisted departure flights" for Australian and other tourists to leave New Caledonia. The protests erupted last week following indigenous Kanak people's anger over a French constitutional amendment that, they fear, will reduce the power of their vote in the elections. This amendment allows more non-indigenous people to take part in voting.
Read also:
- Fear of escalation in the Middle East: US Secretary of State Blinken travels to the region again
- Government circles: US Secretary of State Blinken to travel to Middle East again
- Bridging days 2024: How you can double your vacation this year
- Germany has wanderlust: how tour operators and airlines are looking ahead to the next travel year
Following the cancellation of commercial flights due to unrest, many individuals are eager to travel back home. Australia and New Zealand have arranged evacuation flights for their citizens in New Caledonia.
Source: edition.cnn.com
