Updates

Update on 14 December 2025

Attributed to Air New Zealand Chief People Officer, Nikki Dines

We're pleased to share that our discussions with E tū have progressed to a point that the union has withdrawn their strike notice for 18 December, avoiding disruptions to customer over the  Christmas period.  

Our negotiating teams have been working hard to reach an outcome that recognises the vital role our cabin crew play while supporting the long-term health of the airline. 

We're grateful for the patience and understanding customers have shown as we've worked through the bargaining process, and we appreciate the constructive engagement from the unions and our team.

Update 1 December 2025

Project 32 review outcome

Following questions about one of our onboard snack suppliers, Project 32, Air New Zealand undertook a review of the company and its packaging claims.

The review confirmed that the "New Zealand Owned" statement on Project 32's packaging was incorrect. While the product is supplied to Air New Zealand by a New Zealand–registered company, the business was not New Zealand–owned at the time the packaging was produced.

Project 32 has worked openly and co-operatively with us to resolve the issue, transferring ownership to a New Zealander and committing to update its packaging artwork for future stock. It has also committed to ongoing transparency around its charitable giving, including moving from annual to quarterly donation cycles.

Air New Zealand will use existing stock on hand to avoid unnecessary food and packaging waste. This also preserves the product's gluten-free certification and ensures that charitable donations already committed this year can reach the communities they were intended to support. New packaging is expected by the end of summer.

We've also taken the opportunity to review and strengthen our own processes for verifying supplier packaging and product claims, to help prevent similar issues in future.

Update at 4:15pm on 30 November 2025

Attribute to Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw

 All Air New Zealand A320 aircraft currently in operation have now received the required software update, and our fleet has returned to normal operations.

 Across the weekend, 27 flights were cancelled while we completed the update process. We would like to thank customers who travelled during this time for their patience. We know changes to travel plans are frustrating, and we are grateful for the understanding shown to our teams as they worked to minimise disruption, complete the updates as quickly as possible, and keep people moving wherever they could.

 We do not expect any ongoing impact from the weekend's disruption, and services are now operating as normal.

Update at 5.40pm on 29 November 2025

Attribute to Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw

The airline is well under way with the required software updates across our A320 fleet. Thanks to the significant efforts of our engineering and operations teams, we expect all affected aircraft to be updated and returned to service by tomorrow evening. On the basis of this progress, we currently anticipate a total of around 20 cancellations across today and tomorrow, with our schedule expected to return to normal by Monday.

Customers travelling today and tomorrow should continue to check the Air NZ app or website for the latest information on their flight.

To provide customers with additional flexibility, those travelling on an affected A320 route up to and including Tuesday 2 December may make one free change within seven days of their original travel date, hold the value of their fare in credit for twelve months, or request a refund, including for non-refundable fares.

Update at 2.20pm on 29 November 2025

Attribute to Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw

Air New Zealand is affected by a global Airbus software update that is required on all A320 aircraft. As a result, we're experiencing disruption to flights across this fleet. 

For customers travelling on an affected A320 route up to and including Tuesday 2 December, we are offering additional flexibility. Customers can make one free change to their booked flight within seven days of their original booking, hold the value of their fare in credit for twelve months, or request a refund if they choose not to travel, including for non refundable fares.

We expect to begin contacting customers, or their travel agents, today to let them know if their flight is likely to be impacted over the coming days. Our contact centre is experiencing very high volumes, so we encourage those travelling to wait for direct communication about their flight, where possible.

Update on 21 November 2025

Attribute to Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar

Update on 22 May 2025

Attribute to Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul Lucy Hall

 "Air New Zealand is resuming its Auckland–Nouméa service starting 1 November 2025. Initially, flights will operate once a week on a Saturday. This follows the New Zealand Government's decision to update its safe travel advisory level for New Caledonia. 

 "The resumption of services reflects our commitment to reconnecting New Zealand and New Caledonia, ensuring that travel is safe and reliable for our customers. We will continue to monitor this route closely. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel advisories and Air New Zealand's official channels for updates on flight schedules."