Air Canada flight attendants' strike could halt flights this weekend

Air Canada and its flight attendants remain on a collision course as a looming work stoppage by the airline’s union could force gradual flight suspensions this weekend. After the flight attendants’ union issued a 72-hour strike notice, Air Canada announced an orderly shutdown plan that would begin with cancellations on Thursday, escalate through Friday, and culminate in a complete cessation of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge services if no agreement is reached. The disruption would affect tens of thousands of travellers during the peak summer travel period, with the potential to ripple across international partnerships and feeder services.

The right to strike was approved by the union representing roughly 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, in a vote that produced an overwhelming 99.7% turnout in favor of a strike. Management said the union’s decision to strike leaves the carrier with little choice but to prepare for an orderly disruption to protect customers and operations. The airline issued a lockout notice in response, saying it is a necessary step to provide certainty for customers and to prevent an uncontrolled shutdown that could create greater travel chaos.