Air New Zealand has issued a travel alert to passengers after cabin crew staff confirmed they would take industrial action in December 2025.
On November 22, 2025, Air New Zealand said the airline had been notified by unions E tū and FAANZ that after ongoing negotiations failed a strike would be held on December 8, 2025.
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.
In a statement E tū said that around 1,250 of its members that work for Air New Zealand will strike “after months of negotiations failed to secure a fair deal on pay and conditions”.
“Crew say Air New Zealand’s latest offer does not reflect the responsibilities, pressures, or fatigue risks that come with their work. Many are unwilling to be named publicly, fearing they will be treated unfavourably by the company if they speak out – a sign of the strain workers are under,” a spokesperson for E tū said.
An Air New Zealand staff member speaking on behalf of E tū said that the airline was “prioritising efficiency over crew wellbeing” and that morale among employees was low.
“They’re asking us to be more productive when our rosters are already stretched, and that increases the risk of fatigue. Fatigue in aviation is dangerous, affecting the safety of both crew and passengers. We’re also being asked to trade away hard-won conditions just to get an inflation-level pay rise, and that isn’t a fair deal,” said the staff member.
They added: “Crew feel disconnected from management, undervalued, and ignored. The company talks about people being its biggest asset, but the offer on the table doesn’t show that. We’ve given clear feedback and rejected previous offers, yet we keep seeing the same proposals that devalue our work.”
Air New Zealand said it is “continuing to work with union representatives on finding a fair and sustainable solution”.
Air Zealand 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”
If the industrial action goes ahead Air New Zealand may be forced to book passengers on alternative flights and/or provide accommodation.
“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.
