La Tontouta International Airport
La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) is the main airport for New Caledonia and is located in Païta, just over 30 miles north of Nouméa. Aircalin is the flagship carrier with regular flights between the island and Auckland, Brisbane, Futuna, Hihifo, Nadi, Osaka-Kansai, Papeete, Port Vila, Seoul-Incheon, Sydney, Tokyo-Narita. Qantas and Air New Zealand are two other major providers servicing the airport. Most tourists coming from America will need to get to New Caledonia via Australia, New Zealand or Japan. Aircalin operates domestic flights from La Tontouta under the brand name Air Caledonie.
The airport is small but does have ATMs, currency exchange, car rental desks, a newsagent, souvenirs for sale, two bars and a self service restaurant.
Nouméa Airport transfers offer pre-booked airport shuttles and private transfers to Nouméa, about 32 miles away. Taxis are located outside the baggage claim area, although these can be more expensive than a shuttle. There is an hourly bus running between the airport and the city of Nouméa, located outside the arrivals hall.
Noumea-Magenta Airport
Noumea-Magenta (GEA) airport is a domestic airport in New Caledonia located about a mile from Nouméa's downtown core and 31 miles from the La Tontouta International Airport. Aircalin bases the domestic brand of its airline, Air Caledonie, here. Flights go to Lifou, Ile des Pines, Mare, Ouvea and Tiga. Air Caledonie and Qantas airlines also fly between Nouméa Magenta and Roma in Queensland Australia.