The evacuation of French tourists stranded in New Caledonia since the start of the riots began on Saturday 25 May, according to Agence France Presse journalists

The French High Commission in the archipelago announced the start of this operation, stating that ‘measures to escort foreigners and French tourists home are continuing’. This was the first time that the French government’s representative in this South Pacific region had raised the issue of these tourists.

La Tontouta international airport has been closed since 14 May and all commercial flights have been cancelled.

Tourists were evacuated on military aircraft to Australia and New Zealand from Magenta aerodrome in Noumea, before taking a commercial flight to mainland France.

Australia and New Zealand began repatriating their nationals in a similar way on Tuesday, followed by Vanuatu on Friday, with the help of French military aircraft.

Audrey, a tourist stranded in Noumea, said: ‘I had come on holiday to visit my best friend (…) The conflict broke out and I got stuck’. Her return flight, initially scheduled for 17 May, was cancelled, prolonging her stay indefinitely due to the ongoing closure of the airport.

She described the ‘interminable wait’ and explained that she had filled in an online form to indicate her desire to leave New Caledonia. On Friday, she received an email informing her that she had to be ready, followed by confirmation on Saturday that she would be leaving Magenta.