Air Transat will begin shutting down its flight operations over the next three days after its pilots’ union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Sunday, raising concerns among travellers about potential disruption during the busy holiday period.
The Montreal-based carrier called the notice “premature,” saying negotiations have shown progress and that it has put forward “generous” contract proposals. Both sides say an agreement is still possible before pilots can legally walk off the job at 03:00 ET on Wednesday.
Still, the airline says the strike notice forces it to act. Air Transat will start suspending flights on Monday, move to a full suspension by Tuesday, and begin repatriating passengers to ensure travellers abroad are not stranded.
“This notice requires the company to proactively implement an action plan,” the airline said, adding that the goal is to return all passengers to their point of origin before any labour stoppage begins.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents Transat pilots, said the airline left it “no choice” after “months of unproductive bargaining.” The union is seeking industry-standard pay, benefits, work rules, and job protections to replace a contract dating back to 2015.
“There is still time to avoid a strike,” said Capt. Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council. “But unless significant progress is made before Wednesday, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.”
News of the looming shutdown prompted unease among passengers preparing to depart from Toronto Pearson International Airport.
“I’m afraid that I won’t be able to come back home,” said Clara Yoon, who is travelling to the Dominican Republic and is scheduled to return next week. “It was definitely a shock… I’m more scared and stressed when I’m trying to relax somewhere.”
Others said they were purchasing backup return flights or simply hoping for the best.
Air Transat currently serves 10 domestic and 63 international destinations across 33 countries, with a network focused on Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. East Coast, South America and North Africa.
A spokesperson for federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu said mediators are working with both parties, noting the government “understands how stressful the situation can be for Canadians as the holidays approach.”
Air Passenger Rights, an advocacy group, said travellers may be entitled to up to $1,000 in compensation if Air Transat cancels flights before a strike begins and within 14 days of departure. The group argued that the airline’s planned suspension can’t be attributed to labour disruption until a strike is actually underway.
Source: CBC
This post was published on 8 December 2025 11:59
Air France and Air Côte d’Ivoire will launch a reciprocal codeshare on the Paris Charles…
An Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna diverted to Sofia on Sunday evening…
Air Canada and United Airlines have announced six new routes between Canada and the United…
Heavy rain forced Ibiza Airport to suspend operations twice on Sunday, causing five flight cancellations…
Passengers faced long queues at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Sunday, October 18, after a technical…
British architect Simone de Gale, 44, has been convicted of four offences following an incident…