Air Canada announced Tuesday it will gradually restore operations following a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), ending a four-day grounding that disrupted thousands of travelers. The breakthrough came after 10,000 flight attendants agreed to return to work immediately, allowing the carrier to resume limited flights starting Tuesday evening.
President and CEO Michael Rousseau cautioned that full operational recovery for Canada's largest airline – which typically serves 130,000 daily passengers – could take up to 10 days. 'Restarting a major carrier is complex,' he said, noting some cancellations will continue during the stabilization phase.
The resolution provides temporary relief after eight months of failed negotiations over pay increases, pension improvements, and crew rest periods. While flights resume, analysts warn the underlying labor disputes remain unresolved, potentially impacting Canada's aviation sector recovery.
Travelers are advised to check flight statuses regularly as the airline works to clear backlogs. The development highlights ongoing challenges in balancing workforce demands with post-pandemic operational realities across global aviation networks.
