Air Canada has suspended all of its mainline and Rouge flights as a strike by flight attendants continues, despite an order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for staff to return to work.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the airline’s flight attendants, has not directed its members to resume duties, leaving operations halted since 16 August. The CIRB has instructed crew to return immediately.
Passengers with cancelled flights are being notified and offered a refund, a travel credit, or the option of rebooking on another airline. Travellers have been urged not to go to the airport unless they already have a confirmed seat on another carrier.
Flights operated under the Air Canada Express brand, including those run by Jazz and PAL, are continuing as normal. However, all Air Canada and Rouge services remain grounded until at least the afternoon of 19 August (EDT).
The airline estimates around half a million customers will be affected by the disruption. It has been cancelling flights on a rolling basis since the strike began.
Further updates for travellers are available on Air Canada’s website.
