Major airline cancels flights amid strikes with Scots airports facing disruption
More than 10,000 flight attendants are set to strike this weekend over 'poverty wages' and unpaid labour. Air Canada started to cancel flights today, Thursday, August 14, and predict a full shutdown on Saturday.
Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport could be affected on routes to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. It's been described by experts as "the most severe North American shutdown in decades", with 100 per cent of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations ceasing from Saturday morning
The industrial action will disrupt between 18 and 28 flights from the UK daily, says AirAdvisor. The air passenger rights company said that it will impact up to 5,600 passengers who fly from the UK.
Airports "bearing the brunt" of the upheaval will be London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh 'bearing the brunt'. There will also be secondary impact at Glasgow and Birmingham Airports.
Edinburgh Airport sees a daily flight to Toronto Pearson Airport while Glasgow Airport has flights via codeshares or direct services. Glasgow Airport also offers flights to Montreal.
The strike is unique in that it will lead to a total shutdown of airline operations. The action is also indefinite with no end date, fliers have been warned.
AirAdvisor recommends passengers avoid flying to Canada until the issue is resolved or reroute via the US.
Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert & Founder of AirAdvisor, said: "This strike is a perfect storm for UK-Canada travel. Passengers aren't just losing flights, they're losing time, money, and in some cases, once-in-a-year holiday plans.
"Air Canada's UK routes are some of the most premium in the transatlantic market, and a near-total shutdown sends shockwaves across both leisure and business travel.
"The economic toll is immediate. Families heading to Canada for summer holidays or students travelling for the start of term are facing hundreds, even thousands, in unexpected expenses.
"Business travellers, many of whom choose Air Canada for its reliability and premium cabins, will now have to contend with operational uncertainty that ripples across multiple continents."
AirAdvisor said passengers with flights booked should act now.
Anton said: " First, check your flight status daily and set alerts via your airline's app. If your booking is inflexible, look at refundable one-stop alternatives via New York, Boston, or Reykjavik before those options sell out.
"Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket costs, from meals to hotels, as Canada's APPR rules require airlines to cover reasonable expenses for delays or cancellations within their control.
He added: "If you must travel during the strike days, aim for early morning departures when disruption is typically lower, and avoid tight connections. For those who can, consider pushing non-essential trips by a week.
"Not only will stress levels drop, but you may also save significantly on fares once the initial rebooking rush subsides.'
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