New Caledonia unrest: Australia and New Zealand sending evacuation flights for stranded tourists

France gives clearance for several planes to bring home travellers stuck in French Pacific territory in wake of violent protests

• People in New Caledonia: how have you been affected by the riots?

Australia and New Zealand said they will send government planes to New Caledonia on Tuesday to evacuate nationals from the French territory which has experienced a week of deadly riots, sparked by electoral changes imposed by the French government in Paris.

Foreign minister Penny Wong confirmed Australia had received clearance for two flights after the international airport was shut down, and the government would “continue to work on further flights”.