The archipelago of New Caledonia is preparing for a gradual return to normal life after a period of high tensions which led to the closure of Nouméa international airport on May 14. However, on Sunday, the High Commission of the Republic announced that the airport will reopen during the day starting Monday and the curfew will begin at 8 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.
The decision to reopen the airport was made possible by the clearing of roadblocks on RT1, a double expressway connecting Nouméa to La Tontouta international airport. Previously, only a few exemption flights had been granted due to the roadblocks by demonstrators in the region.
With the airport reopening, passengers will no longer have restrictions on accessing the airport and will be able to use their own means of transportation. In addition, the curfew has been pushed back by two hours in light of the improving situation in the archipelago.
Despite the violence and unrest caused by a constitutional reform bill, which has since been suspended by President Emmanuel Macron, the return to normalcy is evident as primary, middle, and high school students will gradually return to school beginning Monday. The legislative elections scheduled for June and July also loom over New Caledonia as the process of rebuilding and recovery begins after the turbulent period of unrest.
The damage caused by the riots is estimated to be extensive, with buildings burned, stores looted, and many businesses destroyed, resulting in significant economic losses. Despite the challenges faced in recent weeks, the people of New Caledonia are working towards restoring peace and stability in the region.