Montreal, August 14(HS): Canada’s largest airline is bracing for a massive operational standstill as labor talks with its flight attendants collapse, triggering the first wave of flight cancellations today. Air Canada announced that it will begin grounding flights on Thursday following a 72‑hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing more than 10,000 cabin crew members.

The escalating dispute — centred on wages, unpaid work, and working conditions — has sent shockwaves through peak summer travel plans, with the airline warning that as many as 130,000 passengers a day could be affected worldwide.

Countdown to a Complete Shutdown

- Thursday, August 14: Initial cancellations for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge begin.

- Friday: Disruptions intensify as more flights are cut from the schedule.

- Saturday, August 16, 01:00 EST (05:00 GMT): A full halt to all Air Canada and Rouge operations — a “complete cessation of flying” — takes effect.

Flights operated by Air Canada Express, which carry roughly 20% of the airline’s daily passengers, will continue as scheduled.

Union–Management Standoff Hardens

CUPE says it has “bargained in good faith” but accuses management of refusing to address core pay and workload concerns. Air Canada counters that the union’s counteroffer demanded “exorbitant increases” and that CUPE rejected binding third‑party arbitration. The carrier has issued its own lockout notice, further entrenching the deadlock.

Impact and Passenger Guidance

Operating in 64 countries with a fleet of 259 aircraft, Air Canada warns that the unplanned shutdown poses a “major risk” to both its customers and employees. The carrier is repositioning aircraft and crews to facilitate maintenance and enable a faster service restart once the dispute is over.

Passengers with cancelled flights will be notified directly and issued full refunds. The airline is coordinating with Canadian and international carriers for alternative travel options — though it cautions these may take time to arrange and aren’t guaranteed immediately.

Travellers without confirmed flights are being urged not to go to the airport.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar