Three unions plan an unlimited strike at Air Tahiti starting October 22, 2026, over wages, safety, and working conditions, potentially disrupting flights across French Polynesia.
Unlimited strike notice submitted
Three trade unions have submitted an unlimited strike notice to Air Tahiti, set to begin on October 22, 2026, at midnight. The unions are demanding improvements in wages, equipment, staffing, and work organization, and they have raised concerns about the safety of ground operations.Unions and their demands
The unions involved include the CSIP, O oe to oe rima, and the Commercial Crew Personnel Union of Air Tahiti (Spencat). They submitted the notice on October 16, 2026, warning of an unlimited work stoppage if no agreement is reached with management. The strike could affect Air Tahiti's headquarters at Faa'a and the airports it serves. The demands concern a range of employees, including ground staff, team leaders, cleaning staff, and commercial crew personnel. The strike also involves Somstat, a company responsible for refueling aircraft at the Tahiti-Faa'a airport, with similar deadlines and demands.Working conditions and safety concerns
In their letter to management, the unions described deteriorating working conditions, stating that staff face major difficulties in carrying out their jobs despite their commitment. They warn of potential impacts on employees' physical and mental health and highlight a significant risk to safety on the runway. The unions are seeking salary increases, changes in daily work organization, better equipment, improved schedules, and increased staffing. However, the exact amounts requested or the number of additional workers needed have not been specified.Uncertainty about flight disruptions
The submission of the strike notice does not guarantee that all flights will be interrupted on October 22. Whether employees participate and the outcome of negotiations with management will determine the impact on operations. At this stage, it is unclear which routes might be affected or how many flights could be canceled.Air Tahiti’s role and challenges
Air Tahiti operates an inter-island network that is crucial to the social and economic development of French Polynesia. The company uses ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 turboprops, which are well-suited to its regional services. The distances between the islands vary significantly, from about fifteen kilometers between Tahiti and Moorea to about 1,600 kilometers between Tahiti and Mangareva. This geographic spread makes social conflicts in air transport particularly impactful. In April 2026, a previous strike by pilots affected thousands of passengers daily.Previous strike and resolution
The earlier strike at Air Tahiti involved the pilots, represented by the French Polynesian Technical Crew Personnel Union (SPNTPF). After three days of strikes, a resolution was reached on the night of April 12 to 13, 2026, allowing flights to resume gradually. Around 70 out of 100 pilots participated in the strike, with demands focused on schedule organization and holidays, as pilots reported chronic fatigue.New strike threat in maritime sector
This new strike threat comes as another strike notice targets loading companies Cotada, Cowan, and Sat Nui at the Papeete port, with a deadline set for October 20 at midnight. Submitted by the CSTP-FO, the notice focuses on preserving local jobs, wages, and the safety of port workers. While this conflict is separate from the Air Tahiti strike, it adds to the tension in Polynesian maritime and air transport sectors, which are facing similar issues within a few days of each other.
