Air Canada to resume flights after union agrees to mediated return-to-work deal

Air Canada announced it will gradually resume operations after reaching a mediated agreement with the union representing 10,000 of its striking flight attendants. 

The strike, which lasted four days, grounded hundreds of flights and disrupted travel across Canada for thousands of passengers. 

In its latest statement, released on August 19, 2025, the airline said mediation discussions were begun on the basis that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) union “commit to have the airline’s flight attendants immediately return to work”. 

The announcement comes after striking Air Canada flight attendants refused to return to work on August 18, 2025, despite an order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to do so. 

RELATED

Air Canada flight attendants fail to return to work despite government order

“Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. We ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days,” said Michael Rousseau, CEO of Air Canada. 

The airline said it “will not comment” on the new agreement until the ratification process is complete. According to Air Canada, during any ratification or under the binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible, meaning customers can plan, book and travel with Air Canada with certainty. 

Airline warns of cancellations as service stabilizes 

The carrier said that the first flights are set to begin on the evening of August 19, 2025, but passengers should be aware that it may take seven to 10 days for the airline to return to full, regular service due to aircraft and crew being out of position. 

During this time, some flights will be cancelled over the next week or so “until the schedule is stabilized,” Air Canada said. 

“The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labor disruption,” Rousseau added. “Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible.” 

Only customers with confirmed bookings for flights that are operating should head to the airport, but the airline said it advised passengers to verify the flight’s status beforehand. 

The carrier said it will offer options to those with cancelled flights, including obtaining a full refund or receiving credit for future travel. The carrier will also offer to rebook customers on other airlines although availability is limited due to the busy summer travel season. 

Impact of the strike 

Additionally, the airline said it is suspending its guidance for the third quarter and full-year 2025 operating results due to the strike.  

In a separate statement, the airline said it “deeply regrets the impact the labor disruption has had on its customers, its stakeholders and the communities it serves.” 

Strikes by Air Canada workers began on August 16, 2025, after CUPE turned down the airline’s latest job offer made on August 11, 2025, stating that it fell “below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage.” 

The post Air Canada to resume flights after union agrees to mediated return-to-work deal appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source