- A strike at Air Tahiti that began on 22 October is still disrupting flights
- Tourists remain stuck on islands such as Hiva Oa in the Marquesas
- A group of non-striking staff has called for the action to end
- Talks continue between management and unions
- The airline is operating roughly 65pc to 70pc of scheduled rotations
The Air Tahiti unlimited strike has continued to cause severe disruptions to domestic inter-island flights across French Polynesia. The industrial action which began on 22 October 2026 involves ground staff, cabin crew and airport agency workers represented by three primary unions. Operational challenges are further compounded by a simultaneous strike at SOMSTAT, the main aircraft refuelling company at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport.
Negotiations between union representatives and Air Tahiti management led by CEO Édouard Wong Fat have stalled over approximately 40 points of contention. Staff are protesting dilapidated unsafe ground vehicles and a lack of functional sanitation facilities for cleaning crews. Unions are demanding longer aircraft turnaround and stopover times noting that the current 30-minute window forces crews to rush through critical security checklists.
Air Tahiti has managed to operate roughly 65pc to 70pc of its scheduled rotations by adjusting its daily flight programme. The airline is offering fee-free date changes for the same destination or full refunds and vouchers if travellers choose to cancel their itinerary entirely. If a flight is cancelled due to the core Air Tahiti strike the airline is covering standard accommodation costs at approved facilities for non-residents.
