Important Travel Advisory – Potential Air New Zealand Strike (7 December 2025)

Kia Orana!

We want to keep our guests and followers informed about a potential travel disruption that may affect journeys to the Cook Islands on Sunday, 7 December 2025.

Air New Zealand cabin crew have announced a planned 24-hour strike on Monday, 8 December (New Zealand time). Due to the International Dateline, this may impact flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Rarotonga on 7 December (Cook Islands time).

What to Do If You're Traveling on 7 December:

1. Contact Air New Zealand for flight updates, rebooking options, and passenger support
2. Contact your booking agent (whether you booked directly with us or via an OTA or travel agent)
3. Check with your travel insurer to see if your policy covers industrial action or travel delays
4. Email us once your travel is confirmed at reservations@TheRarotongan.com, reservations@SanctuaryRarotonga.com, or reservations@AitutakiLagoonResort.com so we can update your arrival details

Air New Zealand may offer rebooking assistance, accommodation, or other passenger support depending on the level of disruption. Your travel insurer may also provide coverage if your policy includes strike-related delays.

We're Here to Help

Our reservations team is standing by to assist once you've confirmed your revised travel arrangements. Your reservation with us remains secure.

We look forward to welcoming you to paradise soon and wish you safe travels.

Meitaki Ma'ata e Kia Manuia,

The Rarotongan Beach Resort Collection
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium | Sanctuary Rarotonga – on the beach Adults Only | Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only

Important Travel Advisory – Jetstar Flight Disruptions

Kia Orana!

We're sharing an important update from Jetstar that may affect guests traveling to or from the Cook Islands in the coming days.

Due to a global Airbus fleet software issue affecting A320 and A321 aircraft, Jetstar has cancelled some flights as a precautionary safety measure. This disruption may continue to affect flights over the coming days.

If You're Traveling on Jetstar:

1. Check your flight status before heading to the airport at jetstar.com or via the Jetstar app
2. If your flight is affected, Jetstar will contact you directly via SMS and email with your options
3. Manage your booking with Jetstar at jetstar.com/manage or through the Jetstar app to view available options including rebooking, free move to a flight up to 7 days later, or full refund
4. Contact your travel insurer to check whether your policy covers flight disruptions due to technical issues
5. Contact your booking agent (whether you booked directly with us or via an OTA such as Expedia or booking.com or travel agent) to discuss your accommodation options

Important: While Jetstar may offer flight rebooking, we may not be able to adjust your resort reservation dates due to availability constraints. Please check with your travel insurer regarding coverage for any additional accommodation costs or changes to your travel plans.

Please Note: Jetstar advises that alternative flight options are very limited due to high demand across their network. Jetstar's contact centres do not have access to additional flight options beyond what's available through their Manage Booking system.

We're Here to Help

Once you've confirmed your revised travel arrangements, please email us at reservations@TheRarotongan.com, reservations@SanctuaryRarotonga.com, or reservations@AitutakiLagoonResort.com. We'll do our best to accommodate any necessary changes, subject to availability.

We wish you safe and happy travels and look forward to welcoming you to our paradise islands!

Meitaki Ma'ata e Kia Manuia,

The Rarotongan Beach Resort Collection
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium | Sanctuary Rarotonga – on the beach Adults Only | Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only

Important Travel Update – Airbus Fleet Software Issue

Kia Orana!

We want to keep you informed about a temporary flight disruption that may affect some journeys to the Cook Islands over the next few days.

What's happening?

A global Airbus software issue affecting A320 and A321 aircraft has led to mandatory safety updates across multiple airlines. This is a precautionary measure and does not present an immediate safety risk. Airlines are updating aircraft software before resuming normal operations.

Which airlines serving the Cook Islands are affected?

•  Air Rarotonga – NOT AFFECTED

            Air Rarotonga operates no Airbus aircraft. All inter-island flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki continue as normal.

• Hawaiian Airlines – NOT AFFECTED

           Hawaiian Airlines has confirmed their Honolulu-Rarotonga service is operating normally and is not impacted by this issue.

• Jetstar – AFFECTED

           Jetstar has cancelled some flights and disruptions may continue over the coming days. Please see our separate Jetstar advisory for detailed information on 

           managing your booking and available options.

•  Air New Zealand – AFFECTED

            Air New Zealand has 37 aircraft requiring software updates and has cancelled some flights. Disruptions are expected to continue through early December as updates are completed.

If you're traveling on Air New Zealand:

1. Air New Zealand will contact you directly via SMS and email if your flight is affected (they will also notify your travel agent if you booked through one)
2. Please wait for this direct communication rather than calling immediately—Air New Zealand's Contact Centre is experiencing very high volumes
3. Check your flight status before heading to the airport at airnewzealand.co.nz or via the Air NZ app
4. Air New Zealand is offering flexibility through to December 2, 2025:
   • Free flight changes within 7 days
   • Full refund (including non-refundable fares)
   • Fare credit valid for 12 months
5. Contact your travel insurer to check whether your policy covers flight disruptions
6. Contact your booking agent (whether you booked directly with us or via an OTA such as Expedia or booking.com, or travel agent) to discuss accommodation options

Important: While Air New Zealand or Jetstar may offer flight rebooking, we may not be able to adjust your resort reservation dates due to availability constraints. Please check with your travel insurer regarding coverage for any additional accommodation costs or changes to your travel plans.

We're Here to Help

Once you've confirmed your revised travel arrangements, please email us at reservations@TheRarotongan.com, reservations@SanctuaryRarotonga.com, or reservations@AitutakiLagoonResort.com. We'll do our best to accommodate any necessary changes, subject to availability.

Airlines are working quickly to complete software updates, with most disruptions expected to ease by early December.

We wish you safe and happy travels and look forward to warmly welcoming you to our beautiful paradise islands!

Meitaki Ma'ata e Kia Manuia,

The Rarotongan Beach Resort Collection
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium | Sanctuary Rarotonga – on the beach Adults Only | Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only