Officials from New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands province have requested a moratorium on Air Calédonie (TY, Nouméa Magenta) moving its operational base from Nouméa Magenta to Nouméa La Tontouta. The domestic carrier is currently scheduled to transfer its flights to the international airport on March 2, 2026.

The provincial assembly sent a letter to the New Caledonian government on January 28, arguing that the "conditions necessary for such a move are not met," according to public broadcaster Nouvelle-Calédonie La Première. Officials stated that shifting the airline's hub to the international airport, located 40 kilometres from the capital, would disrupt access to healthcare, education, and professional services for island residents.

Magenta airport, where Air Calédonie is currently the only scheduled operator, is located near the downtown of Nouméa.

Loyalty Islands president Mathias Waneux warned that the additional transport costs and distance could negatively impact freight prices and discourage tourism. The assembly called on the government to propose "more coherent, balanced, and socially acceptable alternatives."

The collectivity's government announced on January 30 that it would launch a new shuttle bus to facilitate connectivity for domestic passengers. The service will cost XPF500 francs (USD5) per trip and will connect passengers to the La Tontouta terminal.

Authorities originally confirmed the transfer on November 26, 2025, following months of debate. The government cited "budgetary constraints" and the "critical situation" of Air Calédonie as the primary drivers for the consolidation, which aims to better integrate the domestic carrier with the international one, Aircalin.

According to ch-aviation data, Air Calédonie has three ATR72-600s. It serves four domestic destinations - Île des Pins, Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa - out of both Nouméa airports. Additionally, the carrier flies internationally to Port Vila from La Tontouta.