Air Canada shutdown looming

Air Canada faces a shutdown risk as flight attendants threaten to strike, triggering cancellations and government mediation.

Air Canada shutdown looming as flight attendants strike threatens operations

Air Canada faces a near total shutdown after talks with the flight attendants union failed to reach a provisional agreement. The strike could begin around 1 am Saturday, followed by a company lockout, with about 130,000 passengers affected daily and thousands of travelers stranded abroad. The airline has already begun canceling flights and initiating a phased wind down to minimize disruption.

CUPE, which represents about 10 000 flight attendants, has signaled a clear intent to strike with a strong vote and rejected a binding arbitration offer that could have prevented a work stoppage. Air Canada has defended its stance and warned that a lockout would be needed to reset operations, a process officials say could take up to a week to complete under ideal conditions. Canada’s federal mediator is involved as ministers urge a fast, good faith resolution.

The dispute tests how Canada handles essential services during pressure moments. A shutdown would ripple across families, businesses, and international travel, elevating political scrutiny and budget concerns as mediation unfolds. If talks stall, expect cascading cancellations and a scramble for alternatives that strain other parts of the travel ecosystem.

A quick breakthrough would matter as much for public trust as for profits. Restoring service swiftly would reduce economic pain and limit reputational damage to Air Canada, but a lasting settlement will still hinge on wages and working conditions that satisfy employees while preserving airline viability in a tough market.

Highlights

The outcome will shape Canada s travel network for days to come