Air Canada Resumes Operations After Strike Resolution
Air Canada has started to gradually restart its operations following an agreement with the union representing approximately 10,000 flight attendants, which ended their strike. The walkout significantly disrupted the travel plans of over half a million passengers after the airline began grounding flights on August 14. While some flights have resumed, disruptions are expected to continue in the coming days.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. Air Canada is offering a flexible rebooking policy for those who choose to make their own alternative travel arrangements, including with other airlines. This includes assistance for passengers waiting to be rebooked onto different flights.
Understanding Your Rights and Compensation
The agreement between Air Canada and the union was announced early Tuesday after resuming talks late Monday. Flight attendants had walked off the job over the weekend after rejecting the airline’s request to enter into government-directed arbitration. The union stated that the agreement guarantees pay for members working while planes are on the ground, addressing one of the key issues behind the strike.
Chief Executive Michael Rousseau noted that restarting a major carrier is a complex process and that full service restoration may take seven to 10 days. Some flights will continue to be cancelled until the schedule stabilizes. Passengers are urged to exercise patience and understanding as the airline works to restore normal operations.
Toronto's Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest, is deploying additional staff to assist passengers and support the resumption of operations. Air Canada encourages passengers to check their flight status online or through the Air Canada mobile app before arriving at the airport.
What Happens If Your Flight Is Cancelled?
Air Canada operates around 700 flights per day. The airline estimated that 500,000 customers would be affected by flight cancellations. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that Air Canada had called off at least 1,219 domestic flights and 1,339 international flights since last Thursday.
If your flight was due to start in the EU or UK and is cancelled, Air Canada is required to find an alternative way to get you to your destination. However, given the summer travel peak, securing capacity may take time. Air Canada has made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to provide alternative travel options where possible. Stranded passengers may receive meals and accommodation if necessary.
Passengers whose flights are impacted can request a full refund on the airline’s website or mobile app. According to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the airline must ensure that you complete your journey, although no specific time frame is outlined. Given the volume of passengers needing to be rebooked, Air Canada advises passengers to consider canceling and requesting a refund instead.
Flexible Rebooking Options
For travel between 15 and 22 August 2025, passengers can move their flight to another Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flight for travel between 23 August and 30 September 2025, in the same cabin for free. This is available if the change is made at least two hours prior to the original flight date and time.
If passengers prefer to book their own alternative transportation, they may be eligible for reimbursement of a reasonable fare on another airline within five days of the original departure date, under certain conditions. These include having an Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flight scheduled to depart between 15 and 23 August that was cancelled, and receiving an email from Air Canada stating they were unable to rebook.
Travel Insurance and Claims
Travel insurance is secondary to what the airline can offer, so passengers should first seek a solution with Air Canada. If the airline cannot cover all expenses, passengers may file a claim for additional costs such as hotel stays, food, or extra transportation. It is essential to keep all relevant paperwork, including receipts, boarding passes, and airline communications, to support any claims.
Policies often cover meals, hotels, or transport during extended disruptions. Before making any reservations, passengers should review their insurance benefits and the maximum amount they can claim. Providing thorough documentation will help streamline the claims process.
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