Air Canada is resuming flights after reaching a mediated settlement with its flight attendants’ union, CUPE. The agreement ended a nearly four-day strike that had disrupted travel plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers.
However, the airline has cautioned that a full return to normal service may take a week or more due to the complexity of repositioning aircraft and crew.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Resumption of Flights:Â Air Canada began gradually resuming operations on the evening of August 19, 2025.
- Potential for Further Cancellations:Â Some flights may still be cancelled during the next 7-10 days as the airline works to stabilize its schedule.
- Advice for Travelers:Â Air Canada advises passengers to check the status of their flights online or via the airline’s mobile app before heading to the airport. Only travelers with confirmed bookings on flights listed as operating should proceed to the airport.
- Options for Affected Passengers:Â Customers whose flights are cancelled can choose between a full refund, a credit for future travel, or rebooking on other airlines where possible.
- Details of the Agreement:Â While full details of the agreement are not yet public, CUPE has indicated that the deal addresses “unpaid work,” a key sticking point during the negotiations. The agreement is subject to ratification by union members. During the ratification process, neither a strike nor a lockout is permitted, ensuring passengers can book and travel with certainty.Â
