Air Canada to Cancel Flights as Flight Attendant Strike Deadline Nears

Published Time: 08-14-2025, 18:20

Air Canada has announced it will begin cancelling flights on Thursday in preparation for a possible nationwide work stoppage by its flight attendants this weekend. The labor dispute, which has reached a stalemate, could see Canada’s largest airline completely halt operations by Saturday.

The airline says the cancellations are part of a phased plan to ensure an “orderly shutdown” while attempting to minimize disruption for travelers.

Gradual Flight Cancellations to Begin Thursday

In a statement Wednesday, Air Canada confirmed that the first wave of cancellations will take place on Thursday, followed by additional suspensions on Friday. By Saturday, all flights operated by Air Canada and its leisure subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, are expected to be grounded if the strike proceeds.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, issued a formal 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday morning. In response, Air Canada served its own lockout notice to the union.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau acknowledged the disruption the situation may cause, stating:

“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”

Customer Refunds and Alternative Travel Options

Air Canada says passengers with cancelled flights will be notified directly and will receive a full refund. The airline has also arranged for limited rebooking options through agreements with other Canadian and international carriers.

While these measures may help some travelers, availability is expected to be limited, especially during peak travel days.

Contract Talks Reach a Stalemate

Negotiations between the airline and CUPE have stalled, with both sides accusing the other of refusing to compromise on key issues. The union says its primary concerns include what it calls “poverty wages” for many flight attendants and the lack of pay for time spent working while aircraft are on the ground.

In an online bargaining update, CUPE said:

“Despite our best efforts, Air Canada refused to address our core issues.”

Air Canada had proposed entering a binding arbitration process to resolve the dispute, but the union rejected the offer, stating it prefers to negotiate a deal that members can vote on directly.

Broader Impact on Canada’s Travel Network

A full shutdown of Air Canada would affect domestic and international travel, potentially straining other carriers and creating a ripple effect across Canada’s aviation network.

Industry analysts warn that if the strike proceeds, it could lead to thousands of stranded passengers and delays across multiple airports, particularly in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Union’s Stance on Unpaid Work

One of CUPE’s central points of contention is the issue of unpaid labor during boarding, deplaning, and delays. Flight attendants are generally compensated only for time in the air, a practice that the union argues fails to recognize significant portions of their workday.

The union says this pay structure, combined with rising living costs, has left many attendants struggling financially despite working full schedules.

Potential Paths Forward

With the strike deadline approaching, the likelihood of a resolution before Saturday remains uncertain. While both parties have signaled a willingness to continue discussions, neither side has indicated significant movement on the key financial and working-condition issues.

Should the strike proceed, it would be one of the largest labor actions in Canada’s aviation sector in recent years. The last major strike involving Air Canada’s flight attendants took place in 2011, resulting in hundreds of cancelled flights before an agreement was reached.

What Passengers Should Do

Air Canada is advising passengers scheduled to travel this week to monitor their flight status online and ensure their contact information is up to date in booking records. The airline also recommends travelers consider alternative arrangements as capacity on partner carriers may be limited.

The Canadian government has not yet signaled whether it might intervene in the dispute. In previous aviation labor conflicts, federal mediation or back-to-work legislation has been used to end prolonged strikes.