- On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Air Canada suspended plans to resume limited flying after CUPE urged flight attendants to defy a CIRB return-to-work directive.
- About 240 flights scheduled for this afternoon were canceled; Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge remain paused, while Air Canada Express (Jazz, PAL) continues operating.
- Airline says flights are now expected to resume Monday evening; customers with cancellations will be notified and offered refunds, credits, or rebooking options.
The Big Picture
Air Canada says it has suspended its plan to restart operations today after the flight attendants’ union directed members not to report for duty despite a Canadian Industrial Relations Board order to return to work. The carrier now expects to resume flights on Monday evening. Air Canada media statement.
What’s New
The airline reports that approximately 240 flights slated to operate beginning this afternoon were canceled, adding to widespread weekend disruptions. Air Canada noted that the CIRB’s direction—issued following the federal government’s intervention—had ended both CUPE’s strike and the company’s lockout; however, the union instructed members to stay off duty, prompting the postponement of today’s restart.
What They’re Saying
Context
All Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations were halted Saturday, August 16, due to the strike. The government then moved to send the dispute to binding arbitration, and the CIRB ordered a return to work. Air Canada says the union’s call to continue striking has delayed the restart and forced additional cancellations at the height of the summer travel season.
What’s Next
Air Canada says customers on canceled flights will be contacted and offered options, including a full refund, a credit for future travel, or rebooking on other airlines where capacity allows. Travelers are strongly advised not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking with an operating flight. The carrier adds that Air Canada Express services operated by Jazz and PAL are continuing as normal.
The Bottom Line
Today’s planned restart is off. Expect continued cancellations until at least Monday evening, when the airline now aims to relaunch operations. Check your booking status before leaving for the airport.
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