Air Transat Begins Flight Cancellations as Pilot Strike Notice Raises Holiday Travel Uncertainty

Air Transat has begun suspending flights ahead of a possible pilots’ strike that could start as early as Wednesday morning, creating major uncertainty for Canadians travelling during one of the busiest times of the year.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing roughly 750 Air Transat pilots, issued a 72-hour strike notice on Sunday after nearly a year of negotiations failed to secure a new contract. Pilots will be legally able to strike beginning 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday, unless an agreement is reached.

The airline responded immediately, announcing it will “progressively” cancel flights starting Monday, with a full suspension of operations expected by Dec. 9 if no deal is reached. The company says it is already planning repatriation flights to bring home customers, crews, and aircraft to avoid anyone being stranded abroad.

Why was the strike notice issued

Union representatives say compensation remains the key barrier.

“We’ve been locked down here for a week, and some progress has been made,” said Bradley Small, who chairs ALPA’s Air Transat group. “But when it comes to compensation, things have become very difficult. Unless significant progress is made, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.”

Pilots are seeking improvements in wages, job security, working conditions, and quality of life. Their current agreement dates back to 2015.

Transat management says it has made a competitive and substantial offer.

“This strike notice is premature,” said Julie Lamontagne, the airline’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “The union has shown no openness despite generous proposals, and, regrettably, they are choosing this path at this time of year.”

The company claims its proposal includes a 59% salary increase over five years — a figure the union calls “very inaccurate” and “creative accounting.”

A high-stakes moment for the airline

The timing couldn’t be worse for the Montreal-based carrier, which is still working to stabilize its finances and return to profitability after years of pandemic-related losses.

A strike during peak holiday travel would be a major operational and financial hit. The airline operates nearly 40 aircraft and runs 500+ flights weekly to Europe, the Caribbean, and other leisure destinations.

Adding to the pressure, Transat is also navigating a corporate battle: Quebecor CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau — a major shareholder — is demanding a board overhaul and offering to mediate between management and pilots, calling the situation “deplorable.”

Passenger reactions: worry, frustration, and unexpected optimism

Travellers across Canadian airports expressed mixed reactions as news of the strike spread.

“That’s news to me. I am worried about it for sure,” one passenger said at Toronto Pearson.

Others took a more relaxed approach.“If they go on strike while we’re on holiday, we’re not coming back,” another joked.

But for families travelling during a narrow holiday window, the uncertainty is stressful.

“We’re flying back from Cancun on the 12th,” said traveller Hitesh Thakkar. “We’re worried.”

Some passengers have backup plans — extended stays with friends abroad — while others are hoping negotiations succeed before their return flights.

What travellers need to know

1. Cancellations begin Monday and escalate through Dec. 9. Customers should check their flight status 48 hours before departure.

2. If your flight (before Dec. 12) is cancelled:

• You’ll receive an email notification.

• A full refund will be issued to the original payment method.

• You’ll be rebooked on the next available flight within 48 hours, where possible.

3. If your flight is still scheduled (before Dec. 12) : You may cancel proactively through an online form and receive a 12-month travel credit.

4. Travellers already abroad: Air Transat will repatriate customers and cover additional expenses if package-trip stays must be extended.

5. Booking a different airline:If your Air Transat return flight is cancelled and you find another flight within 48 hours,

• You will be refunded the unused portion of your Transat ticket.

• You may be reimbursed for fare differences with proof of purchase.

6. Regular APPR regulations apply: Refunds must be processed within 30 days under Canadian law.

A broader industry trend

The potential strike comes amid intense competition for pilot talent across North America.

Industry-wide, airlines have been raising wages to attract and retain crews:

• Air Canada pilots received 42% increases over four years

• U.S. carriers saw raises between 34% and 40%

• WestJet pilots secured 24% raises last year

Air Transat has lost more than one-quarter of its pilots since the pandemic, many moving to carriers offering stronger pay and schedules.

What comes next

A government-mandated cooling-off period ends Dec. 10, giving both sides only days to reach a deal before a strike or lockout becomes legally possible.

For travellers, the immediate advice is simple:

• Monitor your email,

• Watch your flight status closely,

• and prepare for adjustments if your trip falls before mid-December.

SkyRly will continue to monitor negotiations and update travellers as the situation evolves.