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Hercules aircraft involved with New Caledonia departures

Repatriation flights for stranded Kiwis in New Caledonia.

22 May, 2024

New Zealand Defence Force personnel and a C-130H (NZ) Hercules aircraft have been assisting with the safe return of New Zealanders from New Caledonia following violent protests there last week.

With assistance from French authorities, the first New Zealanders returned on our aircraft following approval for repatriation flights.

The Hercules left Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland on Tuesday at about 1pm for the repatriation flight, with 48 passengers on the return flight to Auckland.

Officials continue to work on subsequent flights to return New Zealanders from New Caledonia.

Personnel in high visibility jackets talk with civilians on the tarmac in front of the large grey C-130H (NZ) Hercules aircraft.
People board the C-130H (NZ) from the front of the aircraft, the large wing and propellors above a queue of people. In the background personnel in high vis load cargo in the rear of the aircraft.
Front-on view of the Hercules aircraft. Local authorities watch on as people board the aircraft.
Nose-on view of the Hercules as personnel work to board people from the tarmac.