Incident involving two Air New Zealand pilots reported to Civil Aviation Authority

An incident involving two Air New Zealand pilots in the United States has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The CAA would not comment further, saying the airline was responsible for employment matters relating to its staff, ''and CAA cannot comment on those matters".

The aviation watchdog says it considers all information brought to its attention, "and determine whether any regulatory action is required".

The statement by CAA stems from a public post in which allegations are made about an altercation between two pilots earlier this month.

Air New Zealand chief safety and Risk Officer McGraw said in a statement "we are aware of a matter between two crew members off duty in the United States which is currently being investigated. There was no incident onboard the aircraft".

Passengers reported flight disruptions as a result, with flight departures from San Francisco to Auckland on September 6 and 7 cancelled.

According to the online post - which was put to Air New Zealand - passengers were told that the pilot scheduled to operate their flight was no longer able to operate the service.

"To get you on your way, we have arranged a replacement pilot, who is on their way to operate your flight to Auckland. Before they can do so, they are required to complete their mandatory minimum rest period.''

Jason Haskins, who was supposed to be on the 7 September flight which was rescheduled, said he was told the change was due to "staff illness".

Haskins said he and other the passengers on the rescheduled flight were well looked after by Air New Zealand.

The Airline Pilots Association told RNZ it was under instruction to refer inquiries to Air New Zealand.