New Caledonian regional carrier Air Oceania has resumed flight operations after a fuel shortage forced the airline to suspend services for more than a week.
The airline restarted flights on June 22, 2026, restoring connections between Noumea Magenta and the Loyalty Islands after announcing an indefinite suspension on June 13 due to a local shortage of aviation fuel.
Services gradually return
The latest disruption comes just weeks after Air Oceania returned to the skies on May 19 following a seven month grounding of its only aircraft, a Tecnam P2012. The aircraft has been out of service because of engine issues, leaving the airline unable to operate flights during that period.
Flights between Noumea Magenta and Mare are expected to increase in the coming days as the airline gradually rebuilds its schedule.
Air Caledonie dispute
Alongside the resumption of scheduled flights, Air Oceania also operated a flight to Ouvea on June 23 at the request of groups opposing Air Caledonie’s planned transfer of operations from Noumea Magenta Airport to Noumea La Tontouta Airport.
According to local broadcaster ‘Nouvelle- Caledonie La Premiere’ the request was initially made to support medical transport but could develop into a longer term arrangement if Air Caledonie doesn’t change its plans.
Despite opening reservations for flights, operations in the Loyalty Islands continue to face uncertainty. Customary groups have said they will continue blocking Air Caledonie flights to their airports in Lifou, Mare and Ouvea until a new territorial government is formed.
Air Oceania’s return to service resorts and important regional air link for the Loyalty Islands, although continuing to operate just one aircraft.
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