Air Canada Turbulence: Strike Forces Airline to Pull Profit Forecasts
Air Canada has hit a new wave of turbulence this week after more than 10,000 flight attendants walked off the job in a surprise strike — despite a government-issued back-to-work order.
On Monday morning, the airline announced that it has temporarily suspended its profit forecast for the rest of the year, citing “unprecedented operational disruptions” caused by the labour dispute. Hundreds of domestic and international flights have already been cancelled or delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or scrambling to find alternate travel options.
In a brief statement, Air Canada’s CEO said that while the company is working to resume partial operations by tonight, the ongoing strike has created “significant uncertainty” around projected earnings for the third quarter and the rest of 2025.
Defying Government Orders
What makes this strike especially disruptive is that it comes in open defiance of a back-to-work order issued by the federal government just two days ago. The union representing the flight attendants argued that working conditions, wage gaps and long hours have made it “impossible to continue without immediate change.”
Some union members say they are prepared for a prolonged dispute, even if it puts pressure on Canada’s largest airline during one of the busiest travel months of the year.
Impact on Travelers
Across the country, passengers are reporting cancellations with little warning, long wait times, and very limited customer support. Several airports, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, experienced heavy delays and overcrowding early Monday afternoon.
Travel experts warn that if the strike continues, it could trigger a ripple effect across the entire aviation sector, including regional carriers and airport service providers.
What Happens Next?
The airline is expected to hold emergency talks with both federal mediators and union representatives later today. For now, Air Canada says ticket holders should check their email or the company’s website for updates before heading to the airport.