Air New Zealand investigates pilot altercation in San Francisco

Air New Zealand is investigating an incident involving two off-duty crew members that resulted in a 14-hour delay for a flight from San Francisco to Auckland. Reports indicate that a physical altercation occurred between pilots at a hotel during a layover in the United States.

While passengers were initially informed that the delay was due to pilot sickness, reports suggest the conflict may have originated in the cockpit during the flight from Auckland to the U.S. involving disagreements over union issues. The airline’s chief safety and risk officer confirmed an investigation into the two off-duty crew members, though the company emphasized that no incident occurred onboard the aircraft.

The September 7 service was rescheduled for the following day after a replacement pilot was secured and completed the mandatory rest period required by aviation regulations. The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority has also been informed of the matter.