Air New Zealand is bracing for significant operational disruption after its international flight attendants voted to take strike action in February 2026, following a breakdown in negotiations over pay and working conditions. 
Air New Zealand’s international flight attendants plan strike action in February 2026 © Eugene Butler
Cabin Crew Vote for Industrial Action
The Flight Attendants’ Association of New Zealand (FAANZ), which represents more than 1,000 international cabin crew, has issued formal strike notices for Feb. 11 to 13. The decision comes after weeks of talks with Air New Zealand‘s management failed to produce what union members consider a fair, sustainable agreement.
Union president Craig Featherby said inflation and the rising cost of living were central to the dispute, warning that proposed wage increases would quickly lose value.
“With inflation continuing to bite, many flight attendants are concerned they’ll be back below a livable wage within a short time,” said Featherby.
FAANZ also criticised Air New Zealand for linking pay rises to concessions on long-standing safety and working conditions, a move members overwhelmingly rejected.
Widebody Flights in the Firing Line
The strike is expected to disrupt international widebody operations, specifically flights operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft, which form the backbone of Air New Zealand’s long-haul network.
Flight attendants say their frustration has been compounded by recurring operational problems, including limited catering, missing service equipment, faulty seats and cabin malfunctions. According to crew representatives, these issues force staff to repeatedly apologise to premium-paying passengers, adding stress and undermining service standards.
Union officials argue that such challenges are avoidable and reflect deeper issues within airline operations and investment priorities.
Airline Response and Ongoing Tensions
Air New Zealand’s chief people officer, Nikki Dines, confirmed the airline has received strike notices from FAANZ and the E tū union, stating the company remains committed to reaching a “fair and sustainable” resolution.
The dispute follows a year of strained labour relations, with several industrial actions threatened or narrowly avoided in 2025 after provisional agreements were reached for short-haul and regional crew. However, international cabin crew say those deals did not address their specific concerns.
Established in 2020, FAANZ focuses exclusively on flight attendant advocacy, emphasising that the role carries critical responsibilities, from managing in-flight emergencies to ensuring passenger safety under demanding schedules, that must be properly recognised.
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