8 Feb 2021

New Caledonia's airline offers scenic flights

7:07 am on 8 February 2021

New Caledonia's international airline has carried out a pleasure flight for more than 100 passengers keen to take to the skies.

Noumea airport at La Tontouta New Caledonia

Noumea airport at La Tontouta New Caledonia Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

Using an Airbus, Aircalin did a two-and-a-half hour scenic flight over some of the most spectacular beaches and sights at low altitude .

It also flew to Tanna's Yasur volcano in Vanuatu.

Tickets for the one-off flight had sold within hours, prompting the carrier to plan another such scenic flight on Valentine's Day.

New Caledonia's borders have been largely closed for almost a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last November, travel restrictions were extended until at least July this year.

The territory has remained free of community transmission of Covid-19, with all cases detected in quarantine facilities.

New Caledonia reef off west coast

New Caledonia reef off west coast Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel