Air Canada Strike Ends: Flights Gradually Resuming, Full Restoration Expected Over Week

Major disruption to Canadian air travel is easing as Air Canada and its flight attendant union reached a tentative agreement early Tuesday, bringing an end to the strike that grounded thousands of flights and affected hundreds of thousands of passengers. Operations are now gradually resuming, though the airline warns that full service restoration could take seven to ten days.

The breakthrough came after intensive mediation, resolving a key dispute over pay for flight attendants during ground time. The union, representing 10,000 flight attendants, hailed the agreement, stating, “Unpaid work is over. We have reclaimed our voice and our power.”

The strike, which began early Saturday after the union rejected arbitration, led to widespread cancellations, impacting an estimated 130,000 travelers daily at the peak of the summer season. Air Canada had canceled over 2,500 domestic and international flights since last Thursday. Despite a Canada Industrial Relations Board order for flight attendants to return to work on Monday, the union initially defied the directive, intensifying the crisis.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief at the tentative agreement, hoping it ensures fair compensation for flight attendants while ending the significant disruption for Canadian families and visitors.

Passengers affected by cancellations are eligible for full refunds. Air Canada has initiated a phased restart, with some international flights resuming Tuesday afternoon and North American routes ramping up from Wednesday morning. Travelers are advised to expect continued delays and cancellations as the airline works to stabilize its schedule, urging patience during this complex recovery period.

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