Air Tahiti faces growing disruptions as strikes continue, with canceled flights and accusations of using foreign workers to replace striking staff.
Strike escalates with more flight cancellations
On the second day of the strike, Air Tahiti has canceled more than four times as many flights compared to the previous day, highlighting the growing impact of the labor dispute on the airline's operations. No negotiations planned
The unions involved in the strike claim that the airline’s management prefers to let the strike continue rather than engage in negotiations, a stance they argue is financially costly for the company. Pilots' strike cost 100 million francs
The unionists reference a previous pilots’ strike in May 2025, which reportedly cost the airline 100 million francs, suggesting that the current strike could have similar financial consequences. Use of foreign ground staff criticized
The CSIP union has criticized the use of foreign ground staff to replace striking workers, calling it a violation of labor regulations and a tactic that undermines the strike. Flight cancellations and rebooking efforts
On Friday, half of Air Tahiti’s scheduled flights were canceled, reducing the number of flights from 3 to 27 out of 52, affecting approximately 250 passengers who have been rebooked on other flights. Alternative transport options offered
Vanessa Siu, the airline’s marketing director, stated that passengers can request refunds or credits valid for one year if they choose to use alternative transport options like the Apetahi Express or Air Moana. School charters depart successfully
The airline reported that two school charters to the Tuamotu and Australes regions departed successfully on Friday, with three more planned, pending confirmation of their operation. Financial demands at the center of the dispute
Virginie Sicot, a representative of the Spencat union, emphasized that the financial aspect is the main obstacle in the negotiations, with the union’s demands being clear and focused on this issue. Second strike of the year
This is the second strike Air Tahiti has faced in 2026, following a similar three-day strike by pilots in May 2025, which also cost the airline 100 million francs. Lack of counter-proposals from management
Cyril Le Gayic of the CSIP noted that the airline’s management has not made any counter-proposals to address the union’s demands, despite the potential financial impact on the company. Management’s promises seen as empty
Titaina Viriamu of the union criticized the airline’s management for making vague promises, such as "I commit," without providing concrete actions or commitments to resolve the dispute. Protective equipment delayed
The ground staff have been waiting for protective equipment, including helmets and raincoats, for over a year, according to union representatives, who argue this delay is unacceptable. Legal concerns over foreign workers
Cyril Le Gayic stated that the use of foreign workers to replace striking staff may violate labor regulations and that he plans to report the issue to the relevant authorities.
