Air New Zealand is preparing for significant disruption to its international flight schedule as widebody cabin crew prepare to strike on and . The strike, announced by unions E tū and FAANZ, threatens travel plans, particularly for passengers travelling to Asia and North America.
Impact on Flights and Passengers
The airline is working to minimize disruption, particularly for travel across the Tasman and Pacific Island network and states that domestic and regional services will not be affected. However, Air New Zealand has confirmed that cancellations are unavoidable on long-haul routes. The airline is proactively contacting affected customers to offer rebooking options, accommodation, meals, and transport where necessary. Passengers also have the option of a full refund or holding the value of their fare in credit for future travel.
Contingency planning is underway, including schedule adjustments and increased flying on narrowbody aircraft, to mitigate the impact of the strike. Air New Zealand also intends to operate cargo-only widebody services to maintain connections for Kiwi exporters. The airline acknowledges the uncertainty this creates and is urging passengers to check the status of their flights via the Air NZ app or by signing up for travel updates.
Strike Details and Negotiations
The strike action involves flight attendants who work on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and B777 aircraft. The unions initially issued strike notices covering February 11, 12, and 13, but have since limited the action to two days: and . Facilitated bargaining between Air New Zealand and the unions is now scheduled to take place.
Airline Response and Customer Support
Air New Zealand emphasizes its commitment to getting passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible and providing regular updates. However, the airline warns that its contact center is experiencing a high volume of calls and requests that customers only contact them if their query is urgent. The airline is focused on ensuring New Zealand remains connected to the world, recognizing the importance of this for passengers and exporters.
For customers who have booked through a travel agent, Air New Zealand advises contacting the agent directly to discuss rebooking options. If a new flight requires an overnight stay away from home, the airline will arrange accommodation, meals, and transport upon request through its online channels.
Broader Economic Implications
Air New Zealand highlights the critical importance of maintaining connectivity for passengers and exporters, acknowledging the wider economic impact of disruptions. The airline’s efforts to continue cargo-only widebody services underscore the importance of maintaining trade links during the strike period. The airline is attempting to minimize disruption to the Tasman and Pacific Island network, recognizing the importance of these routes for tourism and trade.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers with upcoming international flights on Air New Zealand, particularly those travelling to or from Asia and North America, are strongly advised to check their flight status regularly. Adept Traveler, Inc. Recommends confirming contact details and establishing a clear threshold for rebooking in the event of a missed connection, especially if it results in an overnight stay. The firm also advises against booking split tickets where possible to simplify rebooking processes.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided through Air New Zealand’s travel alerts page and other communication channels. The airline is committed to reaccommodating affected customers where possible and providing support throughout the disruption.
