Air New Zealand has cancelled its Auckland-Apia and return services scheduled for Friday, citing additional cabin crew shortages linked to ongoing industrial action.

In a notice issued Friday, the airline said Flight NZ998 from Auckland to Apia and Flight NZ999 from Apia to Auckland on 13 February 2026 would not operate as planned.

"As you may be aware, ongoing industrial action has impacted some of our services due to reduced cabin crew availability," said Air New Zealand country manager Samantha Imo-Munif. “While we had planned our schedule based on the information available to us, we experienced unexpected additional crew shortages today, which means we’re unable to operate your flight as scheduled."

Imo-Munif said it is rebooking affected passengers onto the next available services, including connecting flights on the same booking. Updated itineraries will be sent to the email addresses provided in bookings and may also be viewed through the Air New Zealand mobile app.

Some customers are expected to travel on Saturday’s flights NZ993 and NZ999 on 14 February, while others will be rebooked onto later services on Sunday, subject to availability.

Imo-Munif asked airport, ground operations and border agencies to inform their teams of the cancellation. "Airport Operations teams, I kindly ask that all airport, ground operations, and border agencies ensure their relevant teams are informed accordingly. Despite the cancellation, ground handling agents (GHA) and front of house (FOH) staff will still be required to assist our customers."

For customers required to stay longer in Samoa, Imo-Munif said its Samoa team and ground handler, Samoa Airways, would work to explore suitable options. Affected passengers can seek assistance at the Air New Zealand Samoa Travel Centre at the Lotemau Building.

"The Travel Centre will be open until 5:30 pm today. Customers may also visit the Air New Zealand check-in counters at Faleolo International Airport from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm today." 

The airline said some tickets may be eligible for credit or refund if customers’ travel preferences change, with further details available on its website.