Toronto, Aug. 16, 2025 — Air Canada has suspended its mainline operations following the start of a 72-hour strike by over 10,000 cabin crew members, resulting in widespread flight disruptions.

The airline has already canceled more than 620 flights, many of them international, as the strike erupted, leaving approximately 130,000 travelers affected per day. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that by Friday evening, 623 flights had been called off, impacting around 100,100 passengers 

This walkout stems from a breakdown in talks between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), with flight attendants demanding compensation for ground-time—such as boarding and standby periods—not just time in the air.

Air Canada has proposed a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including an 8% to 25% pay hike in the first year, but the union criticized the offer as insufficient amid rising inflation.

All flights operated by Air Canada and its budget arm, Air Canada Rouge, remain grounded, while regional services under Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines continue to operate .

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both sides to return to negotiations and has indicated that binding arbitration may be on the table if progress stalls.

Travelers impacted by the cancellations are eligible for refunds or rebooking on alternate carriers, though options are limited due to high summer demand