The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing the airline’s cabin crew, issued a 72-hour strike notice on the 13th of August 2025. This could disrupt travel as early as Saturday, the 16th of August they warned.
The airline has initiated a phased shutdown, starting with several dozen flights canceled on Thursday the 14th. Approximately 500 flights are expected to be canceled by the end of Friday the 15th.
By Saturday the 16th, Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will cease all operations. This potentially grounds over 1,000 flights per day.
The airline operates around 500 domestic, 430 U.S., and 170 international flights daily. Regional flights by Jazz and PAL Airlines under Air Canada Express, which handle about 20% of daily passengers, will not be affected.
The cancellations stem from ongoing disputes between Air Canada and CUPE over wages and working conditions.
The union argues that flight attendants have faced a 9% real wage reduction since 2015. This is due to inflation and lagging pay compared to industry standards.
They’re pushing for better compensation, especially for unpaid duties like boarding and airport wait times.
Air Canada offered a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including a 25% pay hike in the first year.
The airline began canceling a few flights on Thursday with more cuts planned for Friday. By Saturday, nearly all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights could stop.
Only regional flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines under Air Canada Express, which carry about 20% of the airline’s daily passengers, are expected to continue.
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