Air Canada Strike: Flights Halted as CUPE Action Declared Illegal

Toronto — Air Canada passengers are facing widespread cancellations and travel chaos after the airline suspended its plan to resume operations on August 18, 2025, following what it calls an illegal strike action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents its flight attendants.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled earlier this week that CUPE’s strike was unlawful under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, meaning members were directed to return to work. However, CUPE has urged flight attendants not to comply, intensifying the standoff.

What Air Canada is Telling Passengers

In a press release issued at 11:00 a.m. EDT on August 18, Air Canada advised customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking with another airline.

The carrier announced a flexible rebooking policy for affected travelers:

• Free Flight Changes: Customers with tickets booked on or before Aug. 17, 2025 for travel between Aug. 15–22 can rebook at no cost for flights between Aug. 23–Sept. 30, 2025.
• Refunds & Credits: Travelers may request a full refund for the unused portion of tickets purchased on or before Aug. 15 for travel scheduled between Aug. 18–21, 2025. Non-refundable fares may be converted to an Air Canada Wallet credit or Future Travel Credit.
• Exceptions: Flights operated by Air Canada Express (Jazz, PAL Airlines) will continue to run as scheduled.

What This Means for Travelers

Under Canada’s Airline Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), passengers are not eligible for compensation (such as hotels or meals) when cancellations result from events outside an airline’s control — which includes a labour disruption. However, Air Canada must still communicate passenger rights clearly if flights are delayed or cancelled.

Travel experts recommend passengers:

• Check their flight status online or via the Air Canada mobile app before heading to the airport.
• Explore rebooking options as early as possible due to limited seat availability after August 23.
• Keep records of communications for potential insurance claims if trip disruptions cause out-of-pocket costs.

The Bigger Picture

The dispute between Air Canada and CUPE centers on wages, working conditions, and ground pay, with the union arguing that flight attendants are underpaid compared to other global carriers. The government has warned CUPE leaders they could face fines or even jail time if they continue to defy the CIRB order.

For now, thousands of passengers remain in limbo as the country watches one of the most significant labour disputes in Canadian aviation unfold.