Flights to and from Prince George on Westjet, Air Canada Jazz and smaller carriers are unaffected as Air Canada flight attendants walk off the job nationwide, disrupting travel plans for thousands across the country.
Flights operated by Air Canada Express partners such as Jazz and PAL Airlines continue to run, meaning regional routes — including those serving Prince George — are not impacted directly. However, travellers connecting through major hubs like Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto may still face delays or cancellations if their connecting leg is on a mainline Air Canada or Rouge flight.
Travel experts say it's best to confirm all flights' status before heading to the airport.
The strike, which began early Saturday morning, involves more than 10,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The walkout follows months of failed contract talks and comes after CUPE members voted 99.7 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this month.
All mainline Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights are now grounded, with the airline estimating roughly 130,000 passengers per day will be affected as the job action continues.
More than 600 flights were cancelled ahead of the strike deadline to facilitate an orderly shutdown of operations. Passengers scheduled to travel with Air Canada are being notified by email and text message, and those with cancelled flights will be offered refunds or free rebooking options.
The airline says it is working with other domestic and international carriers to provide limited alternative travel options, though available seats are scarce during the busy summer season.
CUPE says the dispute centres on stagnant wages and unpaid work. The union claims that entry-level flight attendants have seen just a 10 per cent wage increase over the past 25 years — roughly $3 per hour — despite inflation rising 169 per cent over the same period.
"Flight attendants are not compensated for significant portions of their duties, including safety checks, assisting with boarding, and responding to onboard emergencies," CUPE said in a release.
Air Canada said its latest offer included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years, along with improvements to pensions, rest time, and working conditions. The airline maintains that its proposal would make its flight attendants the best-paid in Canada but claims the union countered with "exorbitant" demands.
Negotiations between the two sides broke down earlier this week, with each accusing the other of walking away from talks. Air Canada requested binding arbitration, which CUPE rejected. Both parties issued strike and lockout notices, leading to the current impasse.
The federal government has not yet indicated whether it will intervene.
Passengers with upcoming travel are advised to check their flight status, consider travel insurance, and avoid heading to the airport without confirmed alternative arrangements.
With files from The Canadian Press
