AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) has cancelled 46 flights as cabin crew on long-range aircraft begin strike action over stalled pay negotiations.
Nearly 9,500 passengers face disruptions as the airline rebooks travelers and adjusts services to limit cancellations.
Business Premier Cabin; Photo- Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand Crew Strike
Cabin crew operating wide-body, long-haul aircraft stopped work on Thursday and Friday after negotiations over pay and working conditions failed to produce an agreement.
Air New Zealand confirmed operational teams are working continuously to minimize disruptions. Passengers impacted by cancellations received rebooking options, refunds, or travel credits.
The airline also adjusted schedules and deployed alternative aircraft where possible to protect most Tasman and Pacific services from disruption.
Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O’Brien stated the airline took all practical steps to reduce the impact and prioritized rebooking affected travelers, RNZ reported.
Air New Zealand New Business Class on 787 | Photo: Air New Zealand
Why Cabin Crew Chose Strike Action
The E tū union, representing cabin crew, described the strike as a last resort following nearly ten months of negotiations.
Union leaders emphasized cabin crew responsibilities include passenger safety, crisis response, conflict management, and in-flight emergency handling, roles often unseen by passengers but critical to operations.
Despite allowances for long hours and time away from home, the union argues that base pay remains low. Flight attendants reportedly earn less than NZ$60,000 annually as guaranteed income, with additional earnings depending on roster assignments and destinations.
According to union representatives, limited guaranteed income affects workers’ ability to secure mortgages or personal loans, adding financial pressure amid rising living costs.
Photo- Air New Zealand
Airline Pay Offer and Next Steps
Air New Zealand confirmed it offered base salary increases ranging from 4.14 percent to 6.41 percent, with further negotiations scheduled later in the month.
The union also criticized airline spending on infrastructure investments such as hangar development, fleet expansion, and uniform redesigns while employees face financial challenges.
Talks between both sides are expected to continue as the airline seeks to avoid further operational disruption.
Passenger Options During Disruption
Passengers affected by cancellations may:
Accept alternative flight bookings
Request ticket refunds
Convert tickets into travel credits for future trips
Customers are encouraged to check airline communications for updated travel arrangements.
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