Air Canada has officially resumed large-scale operations following a five-day disruption that impacted thousands of passengers across North America, Europe, and Asia. The airline marked its return to service with 155 departures today, signaling a cautious but determined comeback in restoring its international and domestic network.
The first three flights to take off were AC009 from Toronto to Tokyo-Narita, AC556 from Vancouver to Los Angeles, and AC489 from Montreal to Toronto, representing the airline’s commitment to reconnecting passengers both domestically and globally. More international schedules are set to roll out in the coming days as Air Canada gradually rebuilds its operations.
Operational Challenges in the Recovery Phase
Air Canada’s comeback, while promising, is not without hurdles. After several days of suspended operations, the airline faces logistical challenges involving repositioning its fleet and ensuring mandatory maintenance checks for aircraft that remained grounded for over three days.
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, acknowledged the complexities, noting that the carrier’s priority is restoring passenger trust while gradually stabilizing its schedules. “Our focus is safety, reliability, and rebuilding confidence in the Air Canada experience,” he said.
Some cancellations are expected as crews and planes are realigned, but the airline has assured travelers that affected passengers will be notified in advance.
Exceptional Disruption Policy for Travelers
To address the financial strain caused by delays, Air Canada has rolled out a special disruption policy beginning August 20, 2025. This policy provides compensation for certain transportation expenses incurred by travelers trying to reach their destinations during the disruptions.
This initiative demonstrates Air Canada’s commitment to prioritizing passenger welfare while ensuring smoother transitions during its operational recovery. The policy details are available on the airline’s recovery dashboard, offering clarity and transparency for travelers who were inconvenienced.
Clear Passenger Guidelines for Smooth Travel
As schedules stabilize, Air Canada is issuing guidelines to help passengers travel more smoothly.
- Only travel to the airport if your flight is confirmed and listed as operating.
- Passengers are advised to check their flight status online via the Air Canada website or app before leaving for the airport.
- In the event of cancellations, travelers can choose from multiple options:
- A full refund
- A travel credit
- Rebooking on a Star Alliance partner airline or another carrier, depending on seat availability.
To further support travelers, Air Canada has assigned 5,000 dedicated agents to assist with rebookings and customer inquiries. Travelers are encouraged to use these channels for faster, more efficient service during the recovery period.
Air Canada Express Flights Remain Stable
While mainline operations faced interruptions, Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines remain unaffected. These flights continue to serve regional routes across Canada without disruption, ensuring connectivity to smaller communities and critical domestic destinations.
This stability highlights the importance of Air Canada’s regional partners in maintaining essential air travel services during challenging operational periods.
A Boost for Global Tourism and Travel Confidence
The resumption of 155 flights in a single day represents more than operational recovery—it is also a signal to the global tourism sector. With flights departing from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and major U.S. and European gateways, the airline’s restart strengthens connections between Canada and key international markets.
Destinations in Asia, the South Pacific, and Europe will soon see increased frequency, further supporting both leisure and business travelers. For the tourism industry, particularly in Canada, this resumption ensures that inbound travelers regain access to Canadian cities and attractions at a critical point in the travel calendar.
Looking Forward: Air Canada’s Commitment to Sustainability
Beyond recovery, Air Canada continues to emphasize its eco-friendly aviation initiatives. The airline has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and introducing more fuel-efficient aircraft into its fleet. These initiatives are part of Air Canada’s broader sustainability roadmap, designed to align with international climate goals and contribute to greener global tourism.
For travelers, this means that resuming flights is not just about returning to normal but also about moving toward more responsible and sustainable air travel.
The Bottom Line for Travelers
Air Canada’s resumption of 155 daily departures is a significant milestone for both the airline and passengers worldwide. With a strong recovery strategy, a new disruption policy, and thousands of customer support agents, the airline is making strides to ensure that travelers experience smoother journeys in the weeks ahead.
As the skies reopen, passengers are reminded to stay updated with real-time flight information and to take advantage of flexible rebooking options. With stability returning, Air Canada is not only reconnecting destinations but also rebuilding confidence in travel, ensuring tourism continues to thrive.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
