Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fire-fighters’ dispute affects New Caledonia air traffic

Posted at 02:27 on 02 December, 2009 UTC

New Caledonia’s international carrier is struggling to maintain its scheduled services as a fire-fighter strike has affected operations at Noumea’s Tontouta airport.

The dispute over the fire-fighters’ contracts led to the airline cancelling a flight to Tokyo at the beginning of the week.

According to Noumea’s daily newspaper, the French high commission has intervened and ordered a minimum service to be maintained which means that half the flights are assured.

Air Calin has sought to re-route some of its passengers via Seoul, Osaka and Sydney.