Canada’s tourism and aviation industries are facing one of their most severe crises since the pandemic, after Air Canada cancelled more than 1,700 flights in just four days due to an escalating labour dispute with flight attendants. The strike, led by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), has grounded routes across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, stranding over 100,000 passengers worldwide and threatening Canada’s economic recovery in 2025.
A Shockwave Through Canada’s Air Travel Network
The walkout began last Friday when more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants rejected a federal back-to-work order, pressing for higher wages, protections against unpaid labour, and improved working conditions. Despite a ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) mandating employees back to work, CUPE defied the directive, calling it unconstitutional.
The consequences were immediate. Nearly 1,800 flights were scrapped across four days, with weekend schedules practically wiped out. Airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary became the epicentres of disruption, resembling makeshift waiting camps as passengers scrambled for rebookings.
- Toronto Pearson International Airport alone saw over 800 cancellations on Sunday.
- Vancouver International endured hundreds of delays and cancellations.
- Montreal-Trudeau faced gridlock with long queues at rebooking counters.
- Calgary International reported smaller but still significant disruption.
Global Destinations Affected
The strike has had a far-reaching impact on international tourism and global connectivity. Popular routes between Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to Miami, New York, São Paulo, Frankfurt, London, Tokyo, Dubai, and Tel Aviv have been cancelled or severely reduced. Caribbean destinations such as Havana, Nassau, Kingston, and Port of Spain have also been cut, leaving winter travellers stranded during peak holiday planning season.
Beyond direct flights, codeshare partnerships with more than 35 global airlines—including Lufthansa, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and United—are also affected. This has caused ripple effects across Europe, Asia, and South America, leaving passengers unsure which airline is responsible for rebookings or compensation.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The timing of the crisis is especially damaging for Canada’s tourism sector, which had projected a strong rebound in 2025 after years of pandemic-era setbacks.
- Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in major destinations such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are reporting mass cancellations.
- International conferences and business travel plans are being postponed, impacting Canada’s reputation as a reliable global hub.
- Travel analysts warn the disruption could cost the economy hundreds of millions of dollars if the strike extends beyond two weeks.
According to Destination Canada, international arrivals were expected to climb significantly this year, boosting revenue for tourism-dependent communities. However, with Air Canada—the nation’s largest carrier—nearly grounded, the flow of inbound visitors has slowed to a trickle.
Passengers in Limbo
For travellers, the experience has been frustrating and costly. Families, business travellers, and international students have been left stranded at airports or forced to book last-minute flights with alternative airlines at inflated prices.
Social media is flooded with stories of passengers sleeping on terminal floors, missing weddings, conferences, or connecting flights to onward destinations. Many have reported difficulty accessing rebooking assistance, with wait times for customer support stretching into several hours.
Refunds and compensation claims have added to the chaos, with confusion over whether Air Canada or codeshare partners bear responsibility for disrupted itineraries.
Why the Strike Persists
The dispute stems from the expiry of the flight attendants’ collective agreement in March 2024. CUPE members argue they are underpaid relative to inflation and forced into hours of unpaid labour during boarding and deplaning.
On Saturday, Canada’s Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to order attendants back to work, citing national interest and airport safety. CUPE, however, has denounced the move as unconstitutional, pledging to continue its action until fair negotiations resume.
“We will challenge this order that undermines the Charter rights of 10,000 flight attendants,” the union stated.
What Lies Ahead for Canada’s Travel Industry
Industry analysts warn that if the strike continues beyond a week, more than 3,000 flights could be cancelled, affecting close to one million passengers. A prolonged standoff would not only slash Air Canada’s earnings but also undermine confidence in Canada as a stable tourism destination.
The federal government now faces increasing pressure to mediate an urgent settlement. Meanwhile, travellers are being advised to check flight status frequently, explore alternative airlines, and consider flexible booking options until the situation stabilises.
Air Canada has expressed cautious optimism about resuming part of its schedule soon, but with thousands of cabin crew still on strike, the timeline for recovery remains uncertain.
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