What Happened
Airline Warns of Potential Flight Disruptions Due to Staff Industrial Action
Air New Zealand has issued a travel alert after cabin crew staff confirmed they would take industrial action in December 2025. The airline is working with unions to reach a fair and sustainable solution, but has warned of potential flight disruptions if the strike goes ahead. The airline has assured passengers that it is prioritizing customer safety and is exploring alternative arrangements. The union is seeking a fair deal that reflects the crew’s skill, responsibility, and safety role. The airline has been notified by unions E tū and FAANZ that a strike will be held on December 8, 2025, after months of negotiations failed to secure a fair deal on pay and conditions. According to the airline, strike action on its regional fleets is planned to take place at various times between 05:00 and 23:00 and on domestic and international fleets at various times between 00:01 and 23:59. E tū said that the airline was prioritizing efficiency over crew wellbeing and that morale among employees was low. The union added that the crew feel disconnected from management, undervalued, and ignored. Air New Zealand said it is continuing to work with union representatives on finding a fair and sustainable solution. The airline told passengers that at this stage there is no impact on flights, and airline representatives are working hard to reach an agreement that avoids any disruption to customers. The airline has also stated that 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. Our members are seeking a fair deal that reflects their skill, responsibility, and the vital safety role they play every day, said E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh. Negotiations between unions and Air New Zealand are set to continue during the week ahead. RELATED Inside Unical’s strategy to keep the global commercial aircraft fleet flying