Air Canada intends to enact a lockout of its flight attendants, potentially grounding all flights, starting from this weekend.
Air Canada, one of Canada's largest airlines, has locked out its 10,000 flight attendants following a strike action initiated by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on August 16, 2025. This action has led to a near-total suspension of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, impacting approximately 700 daily flights and approximately 130,000 customers each day the disruption continues.
The lockout comes after eight months of unsuccessful negotiations, despite Air Canada's offer of a 38% compensation increase over four years and a willingness to enter binding arbitration. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issued a return-to-work order, but CUPE defied it, prolonging the disruption.
By August 19, 2025, Air Canada and CUPE reached a tentative mediated agreement, leading the airline to begin gradually resuming operations that evening. However, recovery is ongoing, with estimates that over 500,000 passengers have been affected by the strike, and flight delays persist. Air Canada projects that it will take 7 to 10 days to restore normal operations fully.
The grounding of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights includes international routes, such as those between Canada and the US. Approximately 430 daily flights between Canada and over 50 US airports have been affected. Air Canada advises customers not to go to the airport unless traveling on other airlines and has offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credits.
The local union's website states that the union is pursuing 100% pay for all hours of work and cost of living enhancements. Federal mediators, including Patty Hajdu, Canadian minister of jobs and families, have met with both parties to encourage a resolution. Hajdu has encouraged both parties to stay at the table until a deal is found and has stated that mediators will remain available until a deal is reached.
The lockout has disrupted travel plans for many, with disruptions starting as early as Thursday and potentially continuing until a deal is reached. As Air Canada prepares to lock out its flight attendants, the airline is also implementing a contingency plan to gradually wind down operations. Patty Hajdu is closely monitoring the situation.
Sports events across the nation have been marred by cancellations and rescheduling due to the extensive impact of the Air Canada flight disruptions. The lockout and subsequent grounding of flights have left many sports teams scrambling to arrange alternative travel arrangements for players, officials, and equipment.
