Air Canada Halts All Operations Amid Flight Attendants' Strike

Air Canada has suspended all flights after over 10,000 flight attendants went on strike, leaving thousands of passengers stranded worldwide. The walkout began Saturday morning after a contract deadline expired without a resolution. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) confirmed the strike followed the airline’s rejection of government-mediated arbitration, which would have handed contract negotiations to a third party.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to resolve the dispute quickly, calling the lack of progress unacceptable. CUPE spokesman Hugh Pouliot confirmed the union had met with Hajdu and airline officials but no agreement was reached. This marks the latest in a series of high-profile labor disputes in Canada, with the government intervening in similar conflicts in the past.
Air Canada typically operates about 700 flights daily, carrying roughly 130,000 passengers. A full shutdown could leave an estimated 25,000 Canadians stranded abroad each day. The airline has warned it could take up to a week to resume normal operations once a deal is reached.
Passengers affected by cancellations are eligible for full refunds through Air Canada’s website or mobile app. The airline is also attempting to rebook customers on other carriers, though availability is limited due to peak summer demand.
The Business Council of Canada has pressed the federal government to take decisive action, warning of severe economic disruptions if the strike continues. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between labor and management, with broader implications for Canada’s critical supply chains and national transportation systems.

Published: 8/16/2025