CHRISTCHURCH- Air New Zealand (NZ) has warned passengers to prepare for widespread disruption as unionised international cabin crew move toward strike action later this week. The airline confirmed that several long-haul services departing from Auckland will not operate as scheduled due to staffing constraints.
The planned industrial action on February 12 and 13 has already triggered early cancellations and timetable changes. Air New Zealand said it has contacted affected customers and activated contingency plans to reduce operational impact across its network.
Photo: Hobart Airport
Air New Zealand Strike Disruption
Air New Zealand has cancelled 44 flights ahead of the strike and adjusted multiple schedules to manage crew availability. The action primarily affects wide-body aircraft operations, which form the backbone of the airline’s long-haul network.
Company executives said most long-haul routes to Asia and North America will bear the brunt of the disruption. Services on these routes rely heavily on international cabin crew covered by the strike notice.
Despite the scale of the action, Air New Zealand described the situation as manageable due to early planning. The airline said it began preparing alternative options as soon as it became clear talks were stalling.
Photo: Pseudopanax | Wikimedia Commons
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Routes Most Affected
According to Air New Zealand’s chief customer and digital officer, long-haul services represent the highest operational risk during the strike window.
Flights to major Asian and North American destinations have seen the highest number of cancellations.
In contrast, Tasman and Pacific Island routes have remained largely protected. The airline has deployed narrow-body aircraft on these sectors, allowing services to continue with minimal disruption.
Passengers booked on cancelled long-haul flights have been offered re-accommodation two to three days before or after the strike dates. Where this is not suitable, customers can request either a credit for future travel or a full refund.
Photo: Mertle | Wikimedia Commons
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Passenger Rebooking Options
Air New Zealand said it has re-accommodated customers on alternative flights where possible, including services operated by partner airlines. The carrier confirmed it has used Star Alliance and other interline arrangements to maintain connectivity.
According to NewsTalkZB, around 16,000 passengers have been affected so far by cancellations and schedule changes. The airline said it has directly contacted all impacted customers with updated travel options.
The dispute centers on pay and employment conditions, with unions seeking base pay above the national living wage. Management has offered first-year pay increases ranging from 4.14% to 6.41% as part of a proposed multi-year agreement.
The airline confirmed that the next step in negotiations will involve facilitated bargaining through the Employment Relations Authority. Any additional strike action would require at least 14 days’ notice, giving passengers further clarity on future travel plans.
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