Strikes by unions in French Polynesia may disrupt air travel starting October 22, 2026, affecting inter-island flights and passenger plans.
Strike notices submitted
Unions O OE TO OE RIMA and CSIP, which represent some ground staff at Air Tahiti, have filed strike notices. The SPENCAT union, which represents commercial flight crew members, has also submitted a notice, signaling potential disruptions to air travel.Fueling operations at risk
Another social movement could impact SOMSTAT, the company responsible for fueling aircraft at Tahiti-Faa'a Airport. This adds another layer of uncertainty to the already tense situation at Air Tahiti.Negotiations ongoing
As of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, negotiations are still underway at Air Tahiti. If no agreement is reached by the end of these talks, the planned strikes will begin on Thursday morning.Potential flight disruptions
The strikes could lead to significant changes in Air Tahiti’s flight schedule, affecting inter-island travel. Passengers may experience flight cancellations or delays, particularly in the hour before scheduled departures.Passenger guidance provided
Air Tahiti is advising passengers to arrive at check-in at their originally scheduled times to check flight status and any changes. The airline will keep passengers informed of developments as they occur.Flexible policies for passengers
To assist passengers during the strike, Air Tahiti has waived modification and refund fees. Changes of island are allowed free of charge, and cancellation or refund requests will result in a free credit note.