Canada’s largest airline is preparing to suspend flights starting Thursday after the union representing its 10,000 flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice.
Air Canada said it will begin gradually grounding flights in the lead-up to the planned walkout, urging passengers without confirmed bookings to avoid going to the airport. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) issued the strike notice early Wednesday after contract talks reached an impasse, citing unresolved concerns over wages and unpaid work hours.
The strike is scheduled to begin at 1:00 a.m. EST on Saturday and could disrupt travel for as many as 130,000 passengers per day, including 25,000 Canadians, during the busy summer travel season. While Air Canada Express flights — which serve about 20% of daily customers — will not be affected, the airline warned of “a major risk” to its operations and employees.
To prepare, Air Canada will reposition aircraft and crews to enable routine maintenance and a faster return to regular schedules once the dispute ends. The first cancellations will affect select Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights on Thursday, with more expected Friday before operations cease entirely on Saturday.
Customers whose flights are cancelled will receive full refunds and may be rebooked on other Canadian or international airlines, though alternative arrangements may take time to secure. Toronto Pearson International Airport said it is monitoring the situation closely and urged travellers to check with Air Canada directly.
The airline said its latest offer included a 38% total compensation increase over four years — 25% in the first year — but CUPE called it “below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage,” noting flight attendants would still not be paid for boarding and airport wait times. The union says it has bargained in good faith for more than eight months, while accusing Air Canada of pushing for government-imposed arbitration instead of genuine negotiations.
Earlier this month, 99.7% of CUPE members voted in favour of strike action.
