Airfield firefighters strike in French Polynesia
Status report as of July 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Since Saturday, June 28, 2025 , French Polynesia has been facing a strike by airport firefighters employed by the territorial government . This industrial action, relaunched after a suspension in January, has led to the cancellation of the majority of inter-island flights. The conflict escalated starting Monday, June 30 , with requisitions, legal appeals, and increasing pressure on the government.
📍 Which airports are not affected by the strike?
The strike only affects airports where fire safety services are managed by local government firefighters . It should be noted that French Polynesia is currently experiencing a labor dispute involving its local government employees. Nevertheless, on a case-by-case basis and in specific locations, it is possible that some aircraft may still be able to operate at these airports , as was recently the case in Fakarava. Here is the list of airports or airfields not affected by this strike:
- Tahiti-Faa'a (international airport)
- Bora Bora
- Raiatea
- Rangiroa
- Rarotonga (international connection, Cook Islands, outside Polynesian jurisdiction)
📉 How many flights were canceled and how many passengers were affected?
- More than 80 flights canceled according to Air Tahiti.
- Between 5 and 000 passengers affected in less than a week.
- Freight delays (medicines, perishable goods).
- Shortened or modified tourist stays .
- Family pensions saturated on some islands.
🔥 Why are the firefighters on strike?
The strikers denounce:
- The lack of statutory recognition for a high-risk job.
- The insufficient wages in relation to responsibilities.
- The chronic understaffing , especially on remote islands.
- Le failure to comply with social agreements signed during previous negotiations.
📚 Any precedents? Yes, but never on this scale
📚 Any precedents? Yes, and the one in 2022 was significant.
| Year | Range of movement | Duration | obtained result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Moorea, Raiatea | 4 days | Revision of timetables |
| 2021 | tuamotu | 3 days | Suspension of notice |
| 2022 | 38 aerodromes (excluding Faa'a, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Rangiroa) | 4 days | Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 3 |
| 2023 | 7 airfields | 6 days | Partial agreement on on-call duty |
🌴 What impact on tourists?
- Polynesia welcomes around 20 visitors in July .
- 70 to 80% take a inter-island flight .
- Up to 16 tourists could be impacted if the strike continues.
Some tour operators are already adapting their offers with stays concentrated on Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora .
🛠️ What are the ways out of the crisis?
- Tripartite mediation between the DAC, the private company and the unions.
- Immediate salary increase , pending recognized status.
- Temporary reinforcements on critical airports.
- Structured dialogue with commitment schedule.
- Clear communication among travelers and the tourism sector.
🕒 Chronology of the conflict
| Date | Key event |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | Suspension of the first movement |
| 28nd June | Strike resumes at 35 airfields |
| 30nd June | Referred to court, escalation of the conflict |
| 1er July | More than 80 flights canceled, severe impact on tourism |
📢 In fine
This strike is undeniably a major obstacle to tourism in French Polynesia. Many visitors, some of whom have planned their stay well in advance , invest a significant amount of money to experience the islands for the first time. Meanwhile, residents themselves often find it impossible to reach their families on the most remote islands and atolls. It is therefore essential to quickly find a lasting solution to restore smooth inter-island travel and maintain the confidence of users, whether tourists or residents. Let's keep our fingers crossed. And now, if you have any thoughts on this pressing issue , please share them in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
🔔 Breaking news — Tuesday, July 1st, 19:30 PM
An agreement has been signed between the Polynesian government and the FRAAP ( French Federation of Airport Firefighters), ending the airport firefighters' strike. The strike is lifted immediately , allowing for a gradual resumption of inter-island flights starting this Wednesday morning. A joint committee will be established to examine the criteria for allocating specific allowances, based on airport classification.
🛎️ Breaking news — Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 9:14 AM
The Heiva festival is still on, but the FRAAP remains mobilized.
🔔 Last minute — Thursday, July 3, 2025
🔹 The FRAAP has filed a new strike notice in the public sector of the country, starting on Tuesday, July 9 at 0:01 am .
🔹 The union is demanding an increase in the index point between 1,200 F and 1,400 F , considering the recent increase to 1,080 F as insufficient.
🔹 17 administrative services are involved, including the DAC-PF, the DGEE, the DICP, the DGAE, the DSP, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui, among others.
🔹 FRAAP will not appeal the decision declaring its previous action unlawful, preferring to initiate a new phase of negotiations.
🔗 Read the full article on Radio1
✈️ Travel information — Risk of disruption to inter-island flights
⚠️ Airport firefighters , although employed by the country, are supervised by the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DAC-PF) , which is itself targeted by the notice.
🔸 In the event of effective mobilization, up to 43 territorial airfields could be impacted again from July 9 .
🔸 Travellers are advised to monitor the evolving situation , consult with airlines, and plan alternatives if necessary.
ℹ️ Why some airports are not impacted
✳️ The airports of Tahiti-Faa'a , Bora Bora , Raiatea and Rangiroa are not affected by the strike notice of July 9.
🔹 They are operated by the company ADT (Tahiti Airport) , with staff not under territorial status and not affiliated with the FRAAP .
🔹 Result: flights to and from these airports are maintained , except in the event of technical or weather-related issues.
| ✈️ Airport | 👥 Manager | 📍 Staff status | 📌 Impacted by the FRAAP strike? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti-Faa'a | ADT (Tahiti Airport) | Private or mixed staff | ❌ No |
| Bora Bora | ADT | Private staff | ❌ No |
| Raiatea | ADT | Private staff | ❌ No |
| Rangiroa | ADT | Private staff | ❌ No |
| Other airfields (43) | DAC-PF (Country) | Territorial civil servants | ✅ Yes |
🔔 Breaking news — Monday, July 7, 2025
Negotiations between the FRAAP and the government broke down abruptly last night. The union rejected the country's only proposal—monthly individual meetings with the Ministry of Social Affairs—which it deemed insufficient.
The FRAAP speaks of a "lack of consideration" and reiterates its demand for an increase in the index point value to address the high cost of living. Increased mobilization is planned starting Wednesday if no compromise is reached.
President Brotherson ruled out any further increase in the index point and proposed a "case-by-case" analysis of difficult situations, a proposal described as "begging" by the union.
The slogan: "Black Wednesday" launched by the FRAAP to denounce what it considers a lack of respect towards civil servants.
👉 Read the article on Polynésie la 1ère
👉 Read the article on TNTV
🔐 Twist on the controversial message
The FRAAP claims its Facebook account was hacked , thus explaining the post announcing a "black Wednesday" for public transport. Its president, John Tefaatau , denies any involvement and clarifies that this message does not reflect the association's position. 👉 See the full article on TNTV
📢 Return to calm announced
The FRAAP reports that discussions with the government have prevented further mobilization. No strike is planned at this time, contrary to what the erroneous publication suggested.
🛫 Air Tahiti anticipates disruptions linked to the FRAAP strike
The FRAAP (Federation of Employees of Polynesian Administrations) has filed a strike notice for firefighters working at airports managed by the DAC (French Civil Aviation Authority). If discussions fail, the strike could begin on Wednesday, July 9th at midnight .
Air Tahiti indicates that flights to Bora Bora, Raiatea, Rangiroa, and Rarotonga will not be affected by the strike. However, schedule adjustments are possible. The Fakarava and Ahe airports are expected to remain open.
The DAC will publish daily updates on affected airports. It is recommended to check real-time flight schedules.
- Edit: free of charge, even for a change of island.
- Cancellation: a free credit is offered.
🔗 Source: Tahiti Infos – Air Tahiti is preparing for a potential FRAAP strike
🛫 Update — FRAAP suspends its strike again
On Tuesday evening, July 8 , the FRAAP decided to suspend its strike action once again. The union is now referring its demands to the labor court , given the lack of progress in negotiations with the government.
This decision comes after discussions with Heiva troop leaders and representatives of the tourism sector. Discussions with the government have remained at a standstill since Monday.
The country's president, Moetai Brotherson, proposed a monthly listening program for employees in difficulty, but this initiative was deemed "inappropriate" by union representatives, who saw it as a form of "institutionalized begging."
Social dialogue is now continuing in the courts, with possible referral to the conciliation commission if no agreement is reached.
🔗 Source: Tahiti Infos – The FRAAP suspends its strike again
📢 LAST MINUTE – FRAAP STRIKE: A TENSE JULY 17
📅 Friday, July 11, 2025 – 16:40 p.m.
The FRAAP is taking a tougher stance: after the failure of negotiations on July 7, the majority union has filed a fourth strike notice , scheduled for Thursday, July 17. A highly symbolic date, on the eve of the visit of the Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls.
🎯 Single demand: the revaluation of the index point.
🤝 Despite a temporary suspension of the movement, the FRAAP claims to have "given dialogue one last chance." The country's president, Moetai Brotherson, remains adamant.
📣 Jean-Paul Urima calls for intense mobilization : "This is the last time we will be conciliatory."
📌 To follow: the impacts on public services, transport and the Heiva.
???? FRAAP strike: dialogue still at an impasse
🕒 Article published on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 19:58 p.m.
🗓️ On Tuesday evening, July 15 , representatives of the FRAAP met with the president of the Pays Moetai Brotherson . The outcome: no agreement . The meeting, described as "record-breaking" by Jean-Gabriel Rousseau , lasted only 47 minutes , illustrating the deadlock.
✊ Demand: a 20 CFP franc increase in the index point value, effective September 1st. In response, the government is proposing a social welfare program for employees facing difficulties, but the unions reject this option, deeming it humiliating.
💸 Budgetary impact: President Brotherson estimates the cost of the measure at between 5 and 13 billion CFP francs per year. He also proposes monthly drop-in sessions to listen to employees experiencing difficulties.
🚨 Mobilization: The strike begins Thursday morning in front of the presidential palace, with an expected impact on public services and airports . It coincides with the visit of Manuel Valls , in the middle of the tourist season.
✈️ No flights canceled despite the strike: FRAAP reassures
📅 Published on July 16, 2025 — Good news for travelers: despite the failure of negotiations with President Moetai Brotherson, the FRAAP (French Polynesian Air Transport Federation ) announces that no disruptions will affect air travel in French Polynesia. Airport firefighters have decided against closing the airport facilities, heeding the calls from tourism professionals.
⚠️ Strike maintained: the movement will indeed begin this Thursday, July 17th at 00:01. The union is calling for a rally in front of the Presidential Palace at 7:30 am to demand an increase in the index point for local government employees.
“We have over 1800 civil servants in precarious situations, and that is unacceptable in our administration.” Jean-Gabriel Rousseau, Deputy Secretary General of FRAAP
📢 The FRAAP strike is over
Published: | Updated:
The FRAAP strike didn't last long. This Thursday morning, a picket line was set up in front of the president's office, but the union's general secretary, Jean-Paul Urima , quickly announced the end of the industrial action.
🛑 “Return to work as normal ,” he declared, bringing the mobilization to an end. He did, however, specify that the FRAAP is considering filing a new strike notice in the coming days or months, this time with better legal preparation.
👥 Few strikers were present on site. Some expressed their disappointment at the lack of communication, particularly regarding the non-participation of the firefighters: "We were counting on them..."
The Terre-Mer restaurant in Taravao
Holding the population and tourists hostage only makes the situation worse. Fewer tourists = a declining economy = lower wages. Other solutions exist.
Ia ora na Delphine. Your reasoning holds water. I hope a solution will be found quickly for the good of all 🙏