Air Canada Flights Grounded: Passengers Face $2,600 Rebooking Costs

URGENT UPDATE: Air Canada passengers are scrambling to find alternative flights as a labour dispute continues to ground planes worldwide. The strike, which began on August 17, 2025, has left travelers like James Hart and Zahara Virani stranded and facing hefty rebooking fees.

Hart and Virani, who traveled from Calgary to Toronto for a weekend getaway, now find themselves needing to pay $2,600 to fly with another airline after their Air Canada flight was abruptly cancelled. Virani expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t blame the flight attendants. I’m disappointed in Air Canada for not reaching a deal with its workers.”

The union representing over 10,000 flight attendants has announced that its members will continue the strike despite a ruling from the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordering both parties back to work by 2 p.m. ET today. Air Canada initially planned to resume flights later today, but the latest developments raise significant uncertainty regarding those plans.

As the situation unfolds, passengers are urged to monitor updates closely. Many are expressing concern about their travel plans, with reports of long lines and overwhelmed customer service lines at airports. The ripple effects of this ongoing dispute are being felt not just in Canada but across numerous international routes.

Travelers are advised to check their flight status frequently and consider alternative arrangements as the strike shows no signs of resolution. The emotional toll on passengers is palpable, with many sharing their frustrations on social media, urging Air Canada to prioritize a quick resolution.

WHAT’S NEXT: Air Canada’s next steps are crucial as they navigate this challenging situation. Passengers should keep an eye on official announcements from the airline and the union to stay informed about potential flights resuming and any further developments in the ongoing labour dispute.

This report is developing, and more updates will follow as the situation evolves. For now, those affected must act quickly to secure alternative travel plans.