UPDATE: Air New Zealand is issuing an urgent travel alert as cabin crew members prepare for a potential strike on December 8. Unions E tū and FAANZ have officially notified the airline of their intention to halt operations, threatening significant disruptions to both domestic and regional flights.
The strike is scheduled to impact Air New Zealand’s regional fleets, specifically the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 and ATR 72-600, from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on December 8. This action could severely cripple the carrier’s extensive domestic network, affecting crucial flights from Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, and Christchurch to various smaller cities across New Zealand.
While no flights have been impacted yet, Air New Zealand is racing against the clock to reach an agreement with union representatives to avert potential chaos. The airline maintains a monopoly on most regional domestic flights in New Zealand, making this strike a serious concern for travelers. If the strike proceeds, passengers may face extensive delays, long queues, and the need for rebookings.
Air New Zealand emphasizes its commitment to minimizing disruption. In the event of cancellation or significant delays, the airline will provide accommodations and alternative transport for affected passengers. Meals and refreshments may also be available at airports, depending on the delays.
The strike involves approximately 1,250 members of the E tū union across Air New Zealand’s international, domestic, and regional fleets. Union leaders cite months of failed negotiations for better working conditions and fairer pay as the catalyst for the strike.
Rachel Mackintosh, E tū National Secretary, stated, “
Cabin crew have gone above and beyond for Air New Zealand and for the travelling public. If the company wants to reach a settlement, they need to make real changes to their position.
” The union believes that the airline has prioritized efficiency over crew wellbeing, which could lead to increased fatigue and safety concerns among staff.
Air New Zealand’s strike action comes at a critical time, just weeks before the busy holiday season. Union members were required to provide 14 days’ notice for the strike, choosing December 8 from a window of December 3 to 17 due to its significance in the lead-up to Christmas.
The airline operates a vast network of regional, domestic, and international flights and is the primary international gateway to New Zealand. With its base at Auckland Airport, Air New Zealand also serves smaller hubs in Wellington and Christchurch, offering unmatched connectivity in the region.
As talks continue, passengers are advised to stay vigilant for updates. Air New Zealand will communicate any changes to scheduled flights via email, text, and the AirNZ app.
What happens next remains to be seen, but travelers should prepare for potential disruptions as December 8 approaches. The stakes are high for both the airline and its passengers, as a strike could tarnish the reputation of this award-winning carrier.
