Hundreds of Air Canada flights canceled due to cabin crew strike

(Web Desk): Air Canada has begun suspending operations in response to a strike by its flight attendants, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and causing travel chaos for around 130,000 passengers daily.

According to a report by the French news agency AFP, Air Canada — the country’s largest airline with direct flights to 180 cities worldwide — advised passengers not to come to the airport if they have tickets with Air Canada or its low-cost subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge.

In a statement, the company clarified that Air Canada Express flights, which are operated by a third party, would not be affected by the strike. The airline expressed regret over the impact the strike is having on its customers.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, stated that strike action officially began at 12:58 a.m. Saturday (local time) / 04:48 GMT.

In response, Air Canada locked out cabin crew affiliated with CUPE, preventing them from working amid an ongoing pay dispute. The airline had already begun gradually scaling back operations in anticipation of possible industrial action.

As of 8:00 p.m. Friday, Air Canada announced it had canceled 623 flights, affecting over 100,000 passengers.

The airline also scrapped its entire Saturday schedule of 700 flights.

Air Canada stated it remains active and committed to negotiating a renewed collective agreement with CUPE.