Air New Zealand’s flight NZ0974 / SQ4286 from Auckland to Nuku‘alofa, scheduled to arrive at 5.25pm today, Thursday 12 February, has been cancelled.
The airline’s website provides no explanation for the cancellation, but it comes as Air New Zealand faces major disruption from a cabin crew strike affecting long‑haul services
The strike action, led by the Flight Attendants’ Association of New Zealand (FAANZ), has already caused widespread disruption.
Reports say the airline has so far cancelled 44 flights and adjusted schedules as it prepares for industrial action planned for Thursday and Friday. Up to 16,000 passengers are expected to be impacted across the network.
The strike involves crew from Air New Zealand’s wide‑body aircraft fleet, affecting most long‑haul routes to North America and Asia.
Negotiations between the airline and unions E tū and FAANZ have been ongoing for weeks, centred on pay and working conditions, but no agreement has been reached.
Air New Zealand’s chief customer and digital officer, Jeremy O’Brien, told Newstalk ZB that the airline considers the disruption “controllable” and has taken steps to limit its impact.
He said the airline is trying to protect services to the Pacific by using its narrow‑body jets on some Tasman and Island routes to keep those flights operating where possible.
International long‑haul flights, however, are bearing the brunt of the cancellations.
Passengers affected by the strike are being contacted directly by the airline with rebooking options, accommodation support where needed, or the option of a refund or travel credit.
No further details were available this afternoon regarding the specific cancellation of flight NZ0974 to Tonga.
