Air Canada Grounds All Flights; Jazz Operates Amid Nationwide Strike

URGENT UPDATE: Air Canada has grounded all flights nationwide as of early Saturday morning, disrupting travel for an estimated 130,000 passengers per day. This unprecedented action comes as more than 10,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) walk off the job following failed contract negotiations.

While Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights are halted, regional services operated by partners like Jazz and PAL Airlines continue to function at Prince George airport. However, passengers connecting through major hubs such as Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto could still experience significant delays if they are scheduled on Air Canada’s mainline flights.

Travel experts urge all passengers to confirm their flight statuses before heading to the airport as the situation develops. The strike, which began just hours ago, follows a resounding 99.7 percent vote in favor of strike action by CUPE members earlier this month, highlighting widespread frustration over stagnant wages and unpaid work.

As the strike escalates, Air Canada has pre-cancelled over 600 flights to ensure a smooth shutdown of operations. Passengers affected by cancellations will receive notifications via email and text, along with options for refunds or free rebooking.

CUPE claims that entry-level flight attendants have seen only a 10 percent wage increase over the last 25 years, which translates to a mere $3 per hour, while inflation has surged by 169 percent in the same period. The union emphasizes that flight attendants are not compensated for crucial duties, including safety checks and responding to emergencies.

In response, Air Canada maintains its latest proposal included a 38 percent increase in total compensation over four years, claiming it would position their flight attendants as the best-paid in Canada. However, the airline argues that CUPE’s demands are “exorbitant,” leading to the breakdown of negotiations earlier this week.

The federal government has not yet signaled any intent to intervene in the dispute, leaving travelers in a state of uncertainty. As the situation unfolds, passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly, consider travel insurance, and avoid the airport without confirmed alternative arrangements.

This developing story continues to impact thousands of travelers, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.