French Polynesia's pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru has hinted at possible unwanted consequences of lower airfares between France and Tahiti.
Oscar Temaru Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller
Speaking on television, Mr Temaru said it was a mixed blessing having a new low-cost carrier linking Paris and Papeete.
He said there are five million unemployed people in France who could legally travel to Tahiti on a one-way ticket.
Mr Temaru said there was no requirement for any of them to have a return or onward ticket.
His comments came after last weekend's first Tahiti flight of Frenchbee, which said it sold 40,000 tickets before the launch of the service.
The additional service has been welcomed by the tourist industry, which hopes to grow its business.
