Air New Zealand Flight Attendants Strike, Disrupting International Travel for Thousands

Industrial Action Underway

Air New Zealand is currently experiencing significant disruptions to its international flight schedule as flight attendants, members of the E tū and Flight Attendants' Association of New Zealand (FAANZ) unions, commenced a two-day strike on Thursday, February 12, and Friday, February 13, 2026. This industrial action primarily affects the airline's wide-body aircraft, specifically its Boeing 777 and 787 fleet, which operate long-haul international routes.

The strike has resulted in the cancellation of at least 46 international flights, impacting an estimated 9,500 customers. Routes to major destinations in Asia and North America are bearing the brunt of the cancellations. Domestic and regional services within New Zealand are expected to operate as normal.

Roots of the Dispute

The strike follows nearly ten months of unresolved negotiations between the unions and Air New Zealand regarding pay and working conditions. Union representatives describe the strike as a 'last resort' in their efforts to secure a fair agreement. Key concerns raised by the cabin crew include:

• Stagnant Pay: Flight attendants argue that their compensation, with base pay reportedly less than NZ$60,000 annually, has not kept pace with the increased workload and rising cost of living following the post-pandemic surge in travel demand.
• Working Conditions: Issues such as sustainable rosters and concerns over excessively long work hours on certain routes, including up to 22 hours on flights to New York, have been highlighted.

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh stated, 'Cabin crew are committed to passenger safety and service, but fair pay and sustainable rosters are essential. Our members are asking for conditions that reflect the realities of modern aviation.'

Airline's Response and Passenger Impact

Air New Zealand has acknowledged the disruption and stated its commitment to minimizing the impact on travelers. The airline has proactively contacted all affected customers, offering various options including rebooking on alternative flights, full refunds, or travel credits. For passengers stranded away from home, the airline is also arranging accommodation, meals, and transport. Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien noted that teams have been 'working around the clock to re-accommodate customers whose flights are affected.'

While the airline maintains it is negotiating in good faith, facilitated bargaining through the Employment Relations Authority is scheduled to take place after the current strike dates. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before traveling and retain receipts for any additional costs incurred due to the disruption.