- More than 10,000 flight attendants began a strike at 12:58 a.m. ET Saturday, halting Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights.
- Air Canada says about 700 daily flights were being wound down; roughly 130,000 customers could be affected per day.
- Air Canada Express flights operated by partners continue; both sides say they are willing to negotiate.
The Big Picture
Air Canada has suspended all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operationsafter cabin crew represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees went on strike at 12:58 a.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. According to the airline, regional services operated by Air Canada Express partners are continuing as the company manages a phased wind-down of its mainline schedule.
What’s New
In an open letter published Saturday, Canadian Union of Public Employees, CUPE’s bargaining committee said “this situation was avoidable,” arguing it repeatedly proposed a wind-down/ramp-up plan to protect passengers and crews during any job action. According to the committee, the company advanced its own version that would deny pay during a strike or lockout and has not engaged in bargaining since Aug. 12. Air Canada has advised customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed alternative ticket and says change, credit, and refund options are available for impacted travelers.
What They’re Saying
Context
CUPE served a 72-hour strike notice after midnight on Aug. 13, prompting a gradual mainline wind-down. The dispute centers on compensation and work rules, including pay for time spent assisting passengers on the ground. The union says the company walked away from talks on Aug. 12 and is seeking pressure for binding arbitration; the airline says it remains engaged in negotiations and has been reducing its roughly 700 daily flights to manage disruption. Both sides say they are prepared to return to substantive talks.
What’s Next
Air Canada is notifying customers of cancellations and offering rebooking, travel credits, or refunds where applicable. Travelers should monitor their reservations and avoid airports without confirmed alternate arrangements. The duration of the disruption will depend on whether negotiations resume promptly and if any federal action is considered in the public interest.
The Bottom Line
Canada’s largest carrier is largely grounded after cabin crew walked off the job. Regional partners are operating, but nationwide disruption is significant until a negotiated deal—or government action—resolves the standoff.
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