According to a report in the Vanuatu Daily Post, discussions are likely to take place over the coming months with a view to allowing direct flights between New Caledonia, Tanna at the southern end of the New Hebridean chain and the northern island of Santo.

The report stated that the French Ambassador Pierre Mayaudori has been keen to open up new air routes to encourage greater cooperation among the French speaking parts of the jurisdiction.

Amending the current air services agreement in respect of ports of entry and passenger numbers will help to bring about more direct international flights.

However, this will depend on whether Tanna and Santo can fund the necessary upgrade to security systems in order to meet international requirements, the report stated.