Air Canada Flight Cancellations Lead to Passenger Chaos in Calgary

Passengers traveling on Air Canada faced significant disruptions as the airline cancelled numerous flights, including AC356 bound for Ottawa, due to ongoing labour disputes. The scene at Calgary International Airport quickly turned chaotic as frustrated travelers sought answers and alternative arrangements following the abrupt cancellations.

Many passengers were already on edge after receiving warnings about potential cancellations when checking in for their flights earlier on August 17, 2023. Despite the initial flights from **Portland** to **Vancouver** and then to **Calgary** proceeding without issues, hopes of reaching Ottawa diminished as AC356 experienced multiple delays. The Air Canada app indicated that the delays were caused by “airport limitations on an earlier flight,” leading to increased frustrations among the waiting passengers.

At approximately 15:25, a text message conveyed the disappointing news: “We’re very sorry, AC356 to Ottawa (YOW) was cancelled because a labour disruption is impacting our operations.” In the following minutes, another message confirmed that rebooking options were not available for affected passengers, as Air Canada was unable to secure alternative flights after searching over **120 airlines**.

Tensions escalated in the waiting area as confusion and anger spread among travelers. The walkout of more than **10,000** Air Canada flight attendants began on August 19, 2023, after negotiations between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the airline stalled, primarily over wages and ground pay. In response to the strike, Air Canada announced it would lock out flight attendants, resulting in a complete operational halt by the following day.

As passengers confronted gate agents for information, emotions ran high. Many expressed concerns about missing important commitments in Ottawa, including family gatherings and job responsibilities. “How hard is it to find people to work? Get people on the plane,” demanded one frustrated father.

With limited options available, a significant number of passengers found themselves scrambling for assistance. The situation worsened as an Air Canada employee indicated the likelihood of extended delays, telling travelers they might have to remain in Calgary for several days.

Some passengers began to consider alternatives, including booking flights with other airlines at exorbitant prices. One traveler reported a **$2,000** fare for a WestJet flight scheduled for the next day. Notably, many expressed sympathy for the flight attendants, recognizing their struggles while also voicing dissatisfaction with Air Canada’s handling of the situation.

Despite the chaos, some travelers opted to leave the line early, seeking refunds rather than waiting for rebooking. Under the **Air Passenger Protection Regulations**, airlines are required to rebook passengers promptly or provide refunds if alternative arrangements do not meet their needs. In response to the unrest, Air Canada distributed flyers detailing the ongoing labour negotiations and their impact on travel plans.

After a lengthy wait, one passenger managed to reach the counter, where the agent offered the earliest available flight to Ottawa on **August 19, 2023**, at **23:55** via Porter Airlines. Flights to **Toronto** and **Montreal** were fully booked for several days, leaving many travelers scrambling for accommodations in Calgary.

Air Canada attempted to assist by offering hotel accommodations, but with local hotels at full capacity due to events like the **Country Thunder** music festival, many were left without a place to stay. The uncertainty loomed large for those without local connections or resources, raising concerns about how they would manage the night ahead.

As the waiting area continued to fill with confused and distressed passengers, the hope for a swift resolution appeared dim. The chaotic scene at Calgary International Airport highlighted the broader implications of the ongoing labour disputes and the significant impact on travelers caught in the crossfire. Many expressed their desire for a solution that would allow them to return home without undue delay, as the situation remained unresolved.