Air Canada's cabin crew will engage in a work stoppage on the upcoming Saturday
As of mid-August 2025, Air Canada is experiencing significant travel disruptions due to a strike by its flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The strike began on August 16, following a 72-hour strike notice issued by the union earlier in the week.
Current Status of the Strike
On August 19, a tentative agreement was reached, allowing Air Canada to gradually resume operations. However, the return to normal operations is expected to take seven to ten days.
Impact on Flights
The strike has led to numerous flight cancellations. Air Canada began cancelling flights as early as Thursday, August 15, ahead of the strike. By the end of Friday, August 16, more than 623 flights had been cancelled, affecting over 100,000 passengers. All Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations were suspended by August 16. Flights resumed gradually starting the evening of August 19.
Refunds and Passenger Accommodations
Passengers whose flights were cancelled were offered full refunds or credits for future travel. Air Canada attempted to rebook customers on other available flights, though capacity was limited due to the peak travel season.
Potential Impacts on Passengers
Over 100,000 Canadians were estimated to have been stranded by the strike and were still trying to return home as of August 19. The strike has caused significant travel disruptions during the peak summer season, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers.
The union claims that Air Canada refuses to address its "core issues," with the main points of contention being flight attendants' wages and unpaid work when aircraft are not in flight. The union has made some progress since the start of negotiations but still has issues to resolve with Air Canada.
Flights operated by Air Canada Express and PAL Airlines under contract will continue to operate normally. The union served a 72-hour strike notice to Air Canada on Wednesday morning. The strike will occur if no agreement is reached with Air Canada by then.
Air Canada's latest offer includes a total wage increase of 38% over four years. The union rejected Air Canada's proposal to initiate binding arbitration, preferring to negotiate an agreement on which its members could then vote.
An abrupt or unplanned work stoppage causes more disruption than a planned suspension of flights, according to Air Canada. A gradual reduction in activities allows Air Canada to inform customers in advance, reduce the risk of them being stranded, and provide a clearer picture of the situation.
The strike will begin at 00:58 on Saturday, and Air Canada has served a lock-out notice beginning at 01:30 on Saturday. The first flights to be cancelled will be on August 14, with more cancellations on August 15, and a complete shutdown of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights on August 16.
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The French media reported on the ongoing strike by Air Canada flight attendants, a development in general news, directly affecting the travel plans of over 100,000 passengers during the peak summer season. Meanwhile, French crime and justice news outlets discussed the impact of the strike on the Canadian justice system as stranded Canadians faced potential legal issues in different countries. The sports section of French news outlets, on the other hand, highlighted the cancellation of flights for athletes and sports teams participating in various international competitions.
