List of Airports in New Caledonia
As of 2024, there are 16 airports throughout the country of New Caledonia according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in New Caledonia are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in New Caledonia
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belep Island Airport | BMY | Belep Island | Small |
| 2 | Hienghene Airport | HNG | Hienghene | Small |
| 3 | Houailou Airport | HLU | Houailou | Small |
| 4 | Ile Des Pins Airport | ILP | Ile Des Pins | Small |
| 5 | Ile Ouen Airport | IOU | Ile Ouen | Small |
| 6 | Kone Airport | KNQ | Kone | Small |
| 7 | Koumac Airport | KOC | Koumac | Small |
| 8 | Lifou Airport | LIF | Lifou | Small |
| 9 | Magenta Airport | GEA | Noumea | Small |
| 10 | Mare Airport | MEE | Mare | Small |
| 11 | Mueo Airport | PDC | Mueo | Small |
| 12 | Ouvea Airport | UVE | Ouvea | Small |
| 13 | Poum Airport | PUV | Poum | Small |
| 14 | Tiga Airport | TGJ | Tiga | Small |
| 15 | Tontouta Airport | NOU | Noumea | Medium |
| 16 | Touho Airport | TOU | Touho | Small |
Major Airports in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The island group is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural history, and natural resources. The region’s aviation infrastructure plays an essential role in connecting New Caledonia to the rest of the world, as the archipelago is isolated geographically. While New Caledonia has only a few major airports, they serve as critical hubs for both domestic and international flights.
1. La Tontouta International Airport (NOU)
Airport Code:
NOU
Time Zone:
New Caledonia Time (NCT) – UTC +11:00
Address:
La Tontouta International Airport, Nouméa, New Caledonia
Nearby Cities:
- Nouméa (21 miles)
- Mont-Dore (10 miles)
- Boulouparis (39 miles)
- Dumbéa (12 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aircalin (Air Calédonie Internationale)
- Air France
- Qantas Airways
- Fiji Airways
- Air New Zealand
Annual Passenger Traffic:
La Tontouta International Airport handles approximately 1.5 million passengers annually, serving both domestic flights to New Caledonia’s islands and international flights from countries like France, Australia, and New Zealand.
Airport Location and History
La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) is New Caledonia’s primary international gateway, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of the capital city, Nouméa. The airport is situated on the island of Grande Terre, New Caledonia’s main island. The strategic location makes it the focal point of air travel for both tourists and the local population.
La Tontouta was originally opened in 1959 and has undergone several expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and to modernize its facilities. The airport was initially used for military purposes, but with the growth of tourism and the island’s economic development, it transitioned into a civilian airport in the 1960s. Over the decades, it became the main entry point for international visitors, particularly from France, Australia, and other Pacific islands.
In the early 2000s, La Tontouta underwent significant upgrades to improve infrastructure and services. New terminals and improved passenger facilities helped the airport meet growing demand. The airport’s proximity to Nouméa, the capital, allows for easy access to the region’s main attractions, including the New Caledonian barrier reef, which is one of the world’s largest.
Today, La Tontouta is a key hub in the Pacific region, offering connectivity between New Caledonia and several countries, including frequent flights to France, Australia, and New Zealand, which support both tourism and business travel.
Facilities and Infrastructure
La Tontouta International Airport has one runway (12/30) that is 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) long. This runway is capable of handling large wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777, allowing the airport to accommodate long-haul international flights to destinations like Paris, Sydney, and Auckland.
The terminal at La Tontouta is equipped with modern facilities, including a duty-free shopping area, restaurants, lounges, and rental car services. The airport’s infrastructure supports both domestic and international flights with efficient customs and immigration processing, as well as facilities for cargo handling.
Additionally, the airport has been designed to handle significant passenger traffic while maintaining smooth operations. The terminal is well-integrated with ground transportation options, including shuttle services, taxis, and connections to the city of Nouméa. Parking facilities are also available for both short- and long-term use.
Despite being the largest airport in New Caledonia, La Tontouta’s infrastructure remains focused on providing a high standard of service while balancing the unique challenges of operating in a remote Pacific region.
2. Magenta Airport (GEA)
Airport Code:
GEA
Time Zone:
New Caledonia Time (NCT) – UTC +11:00
Address:
Magenta Airport, Nouméa, New Caledonia
Nearby Cities:
- Nouméa (4 miles)
- Mont-Dore (8 miles)
- Dumbéa (12 miles)
- Boulouparis (27 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aircalin (Air Calédonie Internationale)
- Air Calédonie
- Air Tahiti
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Magenta Airport serves around 200,000 to 300,000 passengers annually, primarily domestic flights between New Caledonia’s islands and smaller regional connections within the Pacific.
Airport Location and History
Magenta Airport (GEA) is the secondary airport in New Caledonia, located just a few kilometers outside Nouméa, the capital city. It primarily handles domestic flights and is often used for regional connections within New Caledonia and surrounding Pacific islands. Unlike La Tontouta, Magenta is not used for long-haul international flights, but it serves as a vital part of New Caledonia’s air transport network.
The airport was originally established in the 1970s to provide additional capacity for domestic flights within New Caledonia, especially given the increasing demand for travel to and from smaller islands such as the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands. Magenta’s location, close to the capital, makes it an essential transport hub for local commuters, business travelers, and tourists looking to explore the surrounding islands.
In recent years, Magenta Airport has seen improvements in its terminal and ground services to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. Though it does not handle as many flights as La Tontouta, Magenta continues to be a critical point of departure for inter-island travel and regional Pacific routes.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Magenta Airport has one runway (04/22), which is 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) long. The runway is suitable for smaller to medium-sized aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and ATR 72, but it is not long enough or strong enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft like those used on international flights.
The terminal at Magenta is modest, catering to both passengers and flight crew with basic amenities. It has check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small selection of shops, cafes, and waiting areas. The airport handles mostly domestic flights within New Caledonia, though it occasionally sees regional international flights.
Magenta is well-served by ground transportation options, including taxi services and rental cars. It is relatively close to the main city of Nouméa, which provides easy access to hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.
Despite its smaller size compared to La Tontouta, Magenta Airport remains a crucial link in New Caledonia’s domestic air transport network, offering convenient connections to other islands in the archipelago.
3. Isle of Pines Airport (GIE)
Airport Code:
GIE
Time Zone:
New Caledonia Time (NCT) – UTC +11:00
Address:
Isle of Pines Airport, Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Nearby Cities:
- Vao (1 mile)
- Nouméa (76 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Calédonie
- Aircalin
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Isle of Pines Airport serves approximately 30,000 to 40,000 passengers annually, mostly tourists visiting the island for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Airport Location and History
Isle of Pines Airport (GIE) is located on the Isle of Pines, one of New Caledonia’s most famous islands, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich Kanak culture. The airport is situated near the village of Vao, the island’s main settlement, and serves as the primary air transport point for visitors traveling to the island.
The airport has been operational since 1974, and over the years, it has played an important role in the island’s tourism industry. The Isle of Pines is one of New Caledonia’s most popular destinations, and the airport serves both locals and international tourists, particularly those arriving from Nouméa. The airport is crucial for maintaining connectivity between the Isle of Pines and the mainland.
Although it is a small regional airport, Isle of Pines Airport has helped increase the accessibility of the island for both domestic and international visitors. It is used primarily by smaller aircraft, with several flights per day connecting the island to Nouméa and other nearby islands.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Isle of Pines Airport has one runway (10/28), which is 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) long. This runway can accommodate small aircraft, such as the ATR 72 or Twin Otter, but it is not designed for larger, wide-body jets. As a result, the airport mainly serves regional flights between Nouméa and the Isle of Pines.
The terminal at the airport is small and basic, with a few amenities including check-in counters and a small waiting area. Since the Isle of Pines is primarily a tourist destination, the airport handles a moderate amount of passenger traffic during peak seasons, but the facilities are adequate for the island’s needs.
Ground transportation options are available for visitors, including taxis and rental cars, and the airport is well-connected to the local community and popular tourist sites on the Isle of Pines. Despite its limited infrastructure, Isle of Pines Airport is an essential gateway for travelers looking to explore this beautiful part of New Caledonia.