• Two other aircraft have also arrived to rescue about 50 people.
• Riots have resulted in the deaths of four civilians, three indigenous Kanak residents, and two police officers.
• Around 290 New Zealanders are believed to be in New Caledonia.

An Australian military transport plane has left New Caledonia, carrying travelers stranded after unrest shut down the island’s international airport. This is the first of two Australian aircraft arriving to rescue 300 citizens who have registered for assistance in the French Pacific territory.

According to Flightradar24, a New Zealand Air Force plane has also arrived, part of a series of proposed flights to bring about 50 people home. The unrest began last week when lawmakers in Paris voted to allow more French residents to vote in local elections, a move indigenous leaders say will dilute the political influence of native people.

Riots have resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including at least three indigenous Kanak residents, as well as two police officers. Dozens more have sustained injuries, and authorities have arrested over 200 people thus far. Both Australia and New Zealand have stated they will prioritize flying out those with the most “pressing need,” with consular staff organizing passenger lists.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that tourists from other countries would also receive assistance.

On Tuesday, France’s High Commission in New Caledonia stated that the airport remained closed for commercial flights and that the military would be deployed to protect public buildings.

In addition to witnessing fires and looting, holidaymakers who have been stuck for more than a week have reported food shortages.

“The situation in New Caledonia remains dynamic, and New Zealand officials are continuing to work with French counterparts and other partners especially Australia to understand what is needed to ensure the safety of our people there,” New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

According to reports, around 290 New Zealanders are believed to be in New Caledonia.

Australian tourist Maxwell Winchester told AFP news agency that he and his wife Tiffany expressed being “ecstatic” at the prospect of getting home after being confined to a resort near Nouméa for over a week.

“We realize we probably won’t get on these flights because those who have higher needs will get on them, but we at least know we have a way out in the next few days,” he said.

The French High Commission in New Caledonia reports that French gendarmes, attempting to regain control of the 60km (37 miles) road between Nouméa and La Tontouta International, have “neutralized” 76 roadblocks and are now clearing debris such as burnt-out vehicles.

A masked 25-year-old, who only gave his first name as Stanley, stated that the proposed voting reform “means the elimination of the Kanak people.”

“That’s what they don’t understand over there – we are already in the minority in our own home,” he told the news agency.

Another masked man, named Simon, aged 34, stated that they were allowing drivers to pass through the roadblock.

“It’s calm, the regulars already know us on the barricades,” he said.

The Australian government’s travel advice has warned people not to attempt to reach the airport themselves, stating that the route “is not yet considered safe”.

The local government has announced that the airport remains closed for commercial flights, and a decision on when to reopen it will be reassessed on Thursday.

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