After a weekend shutdown grounded fleets across Canada, Air Canada is ready to power back up. Following a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), its roughly 10,000 flight attendants are returning to the roster, setting the stage for a gradual restart of operations.
The first flights are slated to depart Tuesday evening, bringing an end to the airline’s unexpected halt since Saturday. Passengers should brace for some disruptions, as full, regular service may not be restored for 7 to 10 days. During this time, occasional cancellations are expected while crews and schedules realign.
"Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more," said Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau. His words underscore the logistical challenge of ramping up thousands of daily departures.
On an average day, Air Canada serves about 130,000 travelers—from business executives jetting between financial hubs to digital nomads seeking new destinations. This episode highlights the delicate balance between labor relations and the global travel ecosystem, which fuels tourism, trade, and cross-border connections.
Talks between the airline and CUPE spanned eight months, covering key issues such as pay raises, ground pay, enhanced pensions, benefits, and crew rest periods. The breakthrough deal shows how compromise can keep the wheels—or wings—of commerce in motion.
For travelers worldwide, the advice is clear: check flight statuses regularly, plan for potential delays, and stay informed as Air Canada works to get you back in the air. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how swiftly North America’s largest airline regains its flight rhythm.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
