On February 11, 2026, Air New Zealand announced the cancellation of 46 wide-body long-haul flights in anticipation of a two-day strike by cabin crew, which is set to begin on February 12. This decision comes amid unresolved negotiations between the airline and the local union, E tu, which represents the cabin crew. The strike is a reaction to ongoing concerns regarding work conditions, with the union highlighting the demanding nature and irregular hours that crew members face. Approximately 9,500 passengers were affected by these cancellations, with the airline allowing affected travelers to rebook or receive refunds. Meanwhile, domestic and regional flights continued to operate normally, and some cargo-only services were also maintained as Air New Zealand attempted to mitigate disruption for other operations. The union has emphasized the necessity for Air New Zealand to present a fair and realistic offer to address their members' grievances. E tu's national secretary, Rachel Mackintosh, noted the complexities of the job and the unpredictable nature of work schedules for cabin crew, which has contributed to the strike action. The situation highlights the tensions between airline operational demands and the welfare of its employees, raising concerns over employee satisfaction in the aviation industry.