Once a US Airforce base, La Tontouta International Airport (Nouméa Airport) now services travellers making their way to and from the New Caledonian archipelago. Around half a million travellers pass through the airport each year, with connections available throughout the Pacific region.

While Nouméa Magenta Airport may be the hub for domestic flights within New Caledonia, La Tontouta Airport (Nouméa Airport) is an international airport. The airport services non-stop flights from New Caledonia to Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney), Japan (Osaka, Tokyo), New Zealand and various other regional destinations, including Vanuatu, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna.

A number of airlines fly to New Caledonia, including Aircalin, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu and several smaller Pacific airlines.

The IATA (International Air Transport Association), which represents over 250 member airlines, maintains a list of world airport rankings based on various criteria, including, among others, passenger facilities, comfort, safety, staff service. Airports are ranked from A, the highest rating, to F. the lowest. Since its refurbishment, La Tontouta International Airport (Nouméa Airport) holds a ‘B’ ranking, placing it in the category of airports offering a ‘very high level of comfort’.

Recognising the importance of protecting the environment, La Tontouta International Airport is actively working to reduce its carbon emissions. One of 17 airports in the Asia Pacific region to participate in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, La Tontouta has already reached a level two certification. Solar panels have been installed on the airport’s car parks and waste sorting has also been introduced.

Noumea - La Tontouta airport has been awarded Airport Health Accreditation by ACI (Airports Council International) in 2021. A program "intended to assess the health measures in airport."

A wide range of passenger services

In addition to the airport expansion and technology upgrade, La Tontouta International Airport (Nouméa Airport) also offers all travellers access to a wide range of services, including a free Wi-Fi service.

Duty free shopping is available to all arriving and departing international passengers, 7 days a week. The Aelia Duty Free store carries an extensive range of wines and spirits, perfumes and tobacco products, while the X-Plora store, also located in the public concourse, specialises in New Caledonian souvenirs (fabrics, arts and crafts, deli products), together with a wide range of newspapers and books.

The Le Saint-Exupéry and Le Constellation restaurants specialise in tempting fare for discerning palates. Both are open 7 days a week and offer an extensive range of beverages and snacks. Passengers travelling business class also enjoy all the comforts of a luxurious lounge serving delicious appetisers.

Service areas are also provided for travellers in the main public concourse. You can purchase pay-as-you-go call cards and stamps, change cash into local currency (XPF) and check out local guides and brochures.

Various options are available to take you from the airport to your holiday resort. In addition to the many transport firms running shuttle and minibus services from La Tontouta International Airport (Nouméa Airport) to your chosen destination in Nouméa, you can also hire a car from one of the major rental firms with branches at the airport, such as Avis, Europcar and Hertz. The airport is located around 45 minutes from Nouméa’s centre.