SYDNEY - The French overseas territory of New Caledonia's main airport, La Tontouta International Airport, will reopen during the day from Monday June 17, said the French High Commission in New Caledonia.

The commission said in a statement on Sunday that it has decided to postpone the start of the curfew to 8:00 pm local time from Monday, June 17.

The decision was made "in view of the improvement in the situation and in order to facilitate the gradual return to normal life", said the statement.

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New Caledonia announced a shutdown of its airport and a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am local time last month following riots over proposed constitutional reform.