Air New Zealand
New Zealand
Aircalin
The international airline of New Caledonia
-
New CaledoniaCountry
- SBIATA Code
- ACIICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- Full-ServiceAirline Type
Guide reviewed
Search Aircalin Flights
Find the lowest fares and compare them with other airlines in one search.
About Aircalin
Aircalin is the international airline of New Caledonia, flying from Nouméa to Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Pacific islands. Every Economy fare includes a 23 kg bag. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at La Tontouta, exploring New Caledonia and how it compares with Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Founded in 1983, it flies Airbus A330neo jets on long-haul routes and A320neos on regional routes.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on Aircalin
New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026:
- Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
- Power banks cannot be charged on board, and you cannot use them to charge phones or other devices during the flight.
- Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.
Check-In at Nouméa
La Tontouta Airport is about 50 km from Nouméa, so allow an hour for the drive. Arrive at least two hours before international flights.
Families and Special Assistance
Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.
Exploring New Caledonia
New Caledonia mixes French culture with Pacific islands:
- The lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, great for snorkelling.
- The Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands are reached by domestic flights or ferry.
- The local currency is the Pacific franc (XPF).
How to Find Cheap Aircalin Flights
- Use the included 23 kg bag: Economy can beat low-cost fares.
- Book school holidays early in Australia and New Zealand.
- Earn Flying Blue miles on every trip.
- Look at island combinations with Vanuatu or Fiji.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Qantas, Air New Zealand and others.
Aircalin vs Qantas vs Air New Zealand
Three airlines flying to Nouméa.
| Aircalin | Qantas | Air New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Nouméa | Sydney | Auckland |
| Economy checked bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | Depends on fare |
| Alliance | None | oneworld | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty | Flying Blue | Qantas Frequent Flyer | Airpoints |
See our Qantas guide and Air New Zealand guide to compare.
Arriving in Nouméa
La Tontouta International Airport is about 50 km north of Nouméa. Shuttle buses, taxis and hotel transfers take about an hour into the city.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Aircalin a Good Airline?
Yes. A 23 kg bag on every Economy fare, modern Airbus neo aircraft and Flying Blue miles make it a good choice for New Caledonia.
For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Kupi’s airline profile. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it is a partner in Flying Blue.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
It codeshares with Air France and other airlines for connections to Europe.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Nouméa La Tontouta (NOU) is the hub for all flights.
Popular Aircalin Routes
The airline links Nouméa with Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Singapore, Tokyo and Pacific islands such as Port Vila, Nadi, Papeete and Wallis. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
Aircalin Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Fares are sold in Economy, Premium Economy (long-haul only) and Hibiscus Business, with different change rules shown when you book.
When you change a booking, you usually pay a fee plus any fare difference.
- Economy One 23 kg bag.
- Premium Economy Two 23 kg bags on the A330neo.
- Hibiscus Business Two bags, 32 kg each to and from France.
- How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website.
Aircalin Seat Selection & Additional Services
Meals and drinks are included. One extra sports item of up to 23 kg may be carried free on Aircalin-operated flights if booked two working days ahead.
Excess baggage bought online costs less than at the airport.
- Meals Included.
- Sports equipment One item free with notice.
- Excess baggage Cheaper online.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.
Aircalin Baggage Allowance
Every passenger can bring one carry-on (55 × 35 × 25 cm) plus a personal item: 7 kg on regional flights and 12 kg on long-haul flights in Economy. Business allows up to 18 kg on long-haul flights.
Economy includes one 23 kg checked bag, and Premium Economy and Business two.
- Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm.
- Economy (regional) 7 kg.
- Economy (long-haul) 12 kg.
- Economy checked 1 × 23 kg.
- Business 2 bags.
Flying Blue: Aircalin Loyalty Programme
The airline is a Flying Blue partner, so members of the Air France-KLM programme earn and spend miles on its flights.
- Programme Flying Blue.
- Earn Miles on flights.
- Redeem Flights and upgrades.
Aircalin: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are Aircalin’s IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is SB. It appears in flight numbers (for example SB 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is ACI, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is Aircalin part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is Aircalin headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Nouméa, New Caledonia.
04When was Aircalin founded?
The airline was founded in 1983.
05What are Aircalin’s main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Nouméa (NOU) – Main Hub.
06What is the Aircalin carry-on allowance?
7 kg on regional flights and 12 kg on long-haul flights in Economy.
07How much checked baggage does Aircalin include?
One 23 kg bag in Economy and two in Premium Economy and Business.
08Can I earn Flying Blue miles on Aircalin?
Yes, the airline is a Flying Blue partner.
09Does Aircalin carry sports equipment free?
One extra sports item of up to 23 kg may be free with two working days' notice.
10Can I use a power bank on Aircalin?
On Aircalin you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.
Other airlines in Oceania
Air Niugini
Papua New Guinea
Air Tahiti Nui
French Polynesia
Fiji Airways
Fiji
Jetstar Airways
Australia
Qantas
Australia
Aircalin, its logo and trademarks are the property of Air Calédonie International and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Aircalin unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.