Flight couldn't take off for 14 hours — the real reason surprised passengers

Air New Zealand flight NZ7 from San Francisco to Auckland was delayed by 14 hours. Passengers were told the pilot was sick, but media reports suggest the cause may have been a fight between two pilots at a hotel over union disagreements. Both pilots have been suspended, and the airline is conducting an investigation.

Air New Zealand flight NZ7, traveling from San Francisco to Auckland on September 7, was delayed by more than 14 hours. Passengers were informed that the pilot had fallen ill. However, according to New Zealand media, the delay may have been caused by a conflict between two pilots that allegedly escalated into a physical altercation at a hotel. The disagreements began during the flight from Auckland and were related to union issues. Both pilots have been suspended and sent back to New Zealand on separate flights. Air New Zealand had to arrange for another pilot, who required a mandatory rest period, leading to the delay. Passengers were rebooked on an alternative flight on September 8, and the company offered hotel accommodation, expense reimbursement, or refunds. The airline confirmed an investigation into the incident but did not link the fight to the report of pilot illness. New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority has also been notified.