NOVEMBER 3, 2026. COOK ISLANDS
UN funding to help Cook Islands upgrade Southern Group airports
The Cook Islands will upgrade at least four Southern Group airports after locking in funding from a major UN-backed climate programme. The MD of local airline, Air Rarotonga, says the news is timely and will help the airline better serve island communities.
NOVEMBER 3, 2026. NEW ZEALAND
Kāpiti Coast Airport faces uncertain future as sale talks advance
New Zealand’s Kāpiti Coast Airport faces an uncertain future as its owner advances sale negotiations with two potential buyers. One wants to redevelop the site for housing, while the other is open to retaining airport operations. Meanwhile, local residents and politicians are campaigning to keep the airport open.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Unions take Air Tahiti to court over strike-breaking claims
Air Tahiti is facing legal action from two labour unions accusing the airline of breaching French Polynesian labour laws by using foreign ground crew during an ongoing strike. The airline denies wrongdoing, while negotiations over pay and working conditions remain deadlocked.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026. PAPUA NEW GUINEA/TONGA
PNG and Tonga ink aviation safety cooperation MOU
Papua New Guinea and Tonga have signed an MOU to strengthen regional cooperation in aviation safety investigations, sharing expertise, training and resources. The PNGAIC hopes the agreement will help build investigative capability across the Pacific and encourage similar partnerships with other island nations.
OCTOBER 28, 2026. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PNG report details Twin Otter’s loss of nose wheel during take-off
Papua New Guinea investigators found that a wet, slippery runway, inadequate drainage and perimeter fence entanglement caused a Tropicair DHC-6 300 Twin Otter to lose directional control and its nose wheel during take-off at Tapini in January 2026. The aircraft went on to make an emergency landing at Port Moresby.
November 2026 News Briefs
OCTOBER 28, 2026. VANUATU
Air Vanuatu issues RFP for second ATR, government eyes jets ow
Air Vanuatu has issued an RFP for a pre-owned ATR72-600, seeking delivery by March 2027. The aircraft will be used to bolster domestic flights and support planned regional services. It comes as the government weighs further Twin Otter acquisitions and targets a return to jet operations around 2030.
OCTOBER 27, 2026. AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
Air New Zealand reports strong Australian demand as WSI flights start
Air New Zealand says Australian demand remains strong despite local economic pressures, as it launches flights to Western Sydney Airport. The airline is targeting expatriate New Zealanders and leisure travellers, with COO Kate Boyer reporting buoyant bookings and strong demand for upcoming Christchurch – Perth services.
November 2026 Aircraft Movements
OCTOBER 27, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Air Tahiti says most passengers flying despite strike action
Air Tahiti says 95% of passengers travelled on October 23, the most disruptive day of its ongoing strike, despite around 25% all flights been cancelled on the day. Unions are maintaining industrial action into this week, demanding the state-owned airline address pay, working conditions, staffing and safety concerns.
OCTOBER 26, 2026. AUSTRALIA
CEO says Qatar Airways would fly to WSI, even if no incentives offered
The CEO of Qatar Airways says his airline would have launched flights to Western Sydney Airport even if government hadn’t offered incentives. Hamad Al-Khater says the airport’s large catchment population is a big drawcard. The airline intends to begin thrice-weekly services to WSI in December 2027.