French overseas airlines Air Austral and Aircalin to connect in Bangkok

Smooth transfer

Under the new arrangement, passengers will travel from La Reunion to Bangkok on Air Austral before continuing to Noumea on Aircalin the following day. The return flight follows the same pattern, with Aircalin operating from Noumea to Bangkok and Air Austral completing the journey back to La Reunion. The coordinated schedule ensures a smooth and practical connection in both directions. Meanwhile, connections will be shorter and more convenient from New Caledonia towards La Reunion.

Flying times and days are the following :

From La Reunion to Noumea (every Wednesday):

Depart La Reunion 8:00 p.m. → Arrive Bangkok 6:55 a.m. (next day)

Connect on Aircalin: Depart Bangkok 4:25 p.m. → Arrive Noumea 6:30 a.m. (next day)

From Noumea to La Reunion (Wednesdays & Saturdays):

Depart Noumea 1:30 a.m. → Arrive Bangkok 7:40 a.m.

Connect on Air Austral: Depart Bangkok 9:00 a.m. → Arrive La Reunion 1:45 p.m.

Round-trip economy fares start at €2,082 TTC (208,000 XPF). It includes a single ticket, simplified pricing, and seamless baggage transfer.

A good opportunity for tourism?

For both airlines, the partnership is more than a network expansion — it represents a shared commitment to strengthening social, cultural, and economic ties between France’s distant territories.

“We are proud to help re-establish this vital link between La Reunion Island and New Caledonia,” said Hugues Marchessaux, CEO of Air Austral. “This partnership embodies the spirit of solidarity and cooperation among France’s overseas airlines and opens new perspectives for tourism and economic synergy between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific.”

Georges Selefen, CEO of Aircalin, echoed the sentiment, describing Bangkok as a true meeting point between the two regions. “This partnership will foster tourism, cultural exchange, and new economic opportunities. This is not only between La Reunion and New Caledonia but also with other French Pacific territories such as French Polynesia and Wallis. With Aircalin now operating a third weekly flight to Bangkok and Paris-CDG, it’s a significant milestone that enhances connectivity and supports regional development.”

With this new alliance, Bangkok takes a unique position as a strategic hub linking the French world’s farthest frontiers, helping to shape an air bridge between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific.