Air Canada Halts Operations Amid Flight Attendants' Strike

Air Canada has suspended all operations following the commencement of a strike by more than 10,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The strike began at 12:58 a.m. Eastern Time on August 16, 2025, after contract negotiations failed to yield an agreement.

The labor dispute centers on compensation issues, particularly unpaid work during non-flight periods such as boarding and deplaning. Air Canada proposed a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including a 25% raise in the first year. However, CUPE rejected the offer, stating that the real increase for many members is just 17.2%, which they deem insufficient given inflation rates.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to intensify negotiations to resolve the dispute.

The strike is expected to impact approximately 130,000 passengers daily, with some 25,000 Canadians potentially stranded abroad. Air Canada operates around 700 flights per day. The airline has advised affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on an alternative airline. Passengers whose flights are impacted can request a full refund on the airline's website or mobile app.

Air Canada has indicated that it could take up to a week to fully restart operations once a tentative deal is reached.