Pacific News Briefs

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Commercial flights from Nouméa's international airport have resumed on Wednesday on a limited basis.

The Nouméa-La Tontouta International Airport had been closed to the public since violent and destructive riots broke out in New Caledonia on May 13.

This was mainly due to the main road access between Nouméa and the airport being blocked by numerous barricades erected by groups of rioters.

The highway is still unusable, but international carrier Air Calédonie International (AirCalin) introduced a new transfer system, relying on domestic airline Air Calédonie and its ATR-42 and ATR-72 planes from Nouméa's domestic Magenta airport.

However, only a limited number of international flights will be operational, in what AirCalin terms as a "light" and "modified" schedule starting from June 5.

AirCalin said as part of this "gradual" reopening of international traffic, passengers on those "authorized" flights would only be allowed one suitcase, with a maximum weight of 23kg per person.

Air transfers via Air Calédonie's ATRs can only carry a maximum of about 50 passengers.

The first regional flights on the schedule are those from Papeete, French Polynesia, via Nadi, Fiji SB631, and to Brisbane, Australia SB150, it said.

Since La Tontouta airport was closed to commercial flights on May 13, a total of 185 flights had to be cancelled, thereby affecting some 20,000 passengers, AirCalin said.

Domestic carrier Air Calédonie has also resumed internal flights on Wednesday, but on a limited "one flight per island per day" basis, from Nouméa Magenta to the Loyalty islands group (Maré, Lifou, Ouvéa) and the Isle of Pines.

GLIDER CRASH

A motor glider that crashed into the sea off the coast of Vaitele Samoa, killing the pilot, was unlicensed. Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed to the Samoa Observer that the glider was not licensed.

He said the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, who deal with gliders and licensing, said the glider was not licensed and the pilot had been told to go in and get a license but he did not.

The motor glider was flown by retired Captain, Philip Meredith.

Police are continuing investigations into the tragedy.

VANUATU AIRLINE

Vanuatu's deputy Prime Minister says it's likely domestic flights will resume in July.

A memorandum of understanding was signed this week between Vanuatu and Nauru.

Matai Seremaiah, who is also the chair of a task force appointed to look after Air Vanuatu, told the Daily Post Nauru Airlines can provide a service from Port Vila to Santo.

Qantas and Jetstar are looking to move in on Australia-Vanuatu services, while Fiji Airways has also shown interest in restoring some domestic flights.

Meanwhile, the liquidators of Air Vanuatu are seeking urgent expressions of interest for the re-capitalization of the company or the purchase of the business, its assets, and its undertakings.

TONGA ELECTRICITY NETWORK

Tonga's sole electricity provider is working with New Zealand power company Northpower to improve Tonga's electricity network infrastructure.

Tonga Power Limited's engineers, alongside Northpower's inspection solutions team, conducted comprehensive network assessments in October 2023 and April 2024, and found areas of network deterioration that require immediate and strategic interventions.

The kingdom often faces power outages.

Tonga Power Limited says this collaboration with Northpower symbolizes a significant step towards a reliable and resilient electricity network for Tonga.

The project will cost about US$1.61million.

MARSHALL ISLANDS AIRPORT

A large-scale airport paving and improvement project in the Marshall Islands is expected to get underway in late July or early August.

This is according to the site contractor, Pacific International Inc.

The Marshall Islands Journal reports a large asphalt plant has been set up a mile to the west of the airport runway, at the Lojamwe weto quarry operated by Pacific International.

A fleet of new trucks, paving equipment and other heavy equipment was imported by the company for the work.

The first phase of the project is valued at US$21.4 million.

COOK ISLANDS EXPECTED TO BAN VAPES

The sale of e-cigarettes and vapes in the Cook Islands is expected to be banned by the first of next month.

Ministry of Health secretary Bob Williams told Cook Islands News it is when the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024 will likely be introduced.

He said sellers of tobacco and vapes have been advised to stop placing new orders.

Williams said the July 1, start will give shops time to clear existing stock.

(Source: RNZ Pacific)