6 Feb 2012

Air Austral to maintain New Caledonia service

9:03 am on 6 February 2012

Air Austral, which is based in the French Indian Ocean territory of La Reunion, has reversed its decision to end its two weekly flights to New Caledonia.

In December, the airline said the decision was prompted by the high cost of jet fuel and would come into effect at the end of March.

But at the weekend, the carrier's office in Noumea told its clients and the local newspaper that the suspension was lifted and the service would be maintained.

An Air Austral Boeing 777 has been linking Noumea with Paris, flying via Sydney and La Reunion since early 2009.

Air Austral says it will now also maintain its service to Bangkok.