Air Transat has axed twelve flights set for Tuesday and another six for Wednesday, less than 24 hours before a potential pilots’ strike looms. The cancellations include flights from Toronto Pearson to Manchester, U.K.; Montreal to Málaga, Spain; Toronto Pearson to Lisbon; Montreal to Paris; Toronto Pearson to London Gatwick; and Montreal to Lima on Tuesday, with additional cancellations for Wednesday listed on their website. Previously canceled round trip flights were between Montreal and Cancun, Toronto Pearson and Cancun, and Montreal and Punta Cana.
One Gatineau, Que. resident, Amélie Héroux-Gauthier, whose wedding is in Mexico this week, is uncertain about her flight’s fate. She deliberates on canceling her Dec. 12 flight to Cancun due to the strike uncertainty.
Air Transat warned of operational winding down if a deal with the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. (ALPA) wasn’t reached by Tuesday. ALPA issued a 72-hour strike notice on Sunday, potentially affecting flights starting 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
Negotiations continue, with the airline making “improved offers” on Monday night. The carrier is arranging return flights for passengers abroad to avoid strike disruptions.
Both parties are still negotiating, aiming for a fair contract to ensure stability. According to John Gradek, a McGill University professor, resolution often happens before strike deadlines. Air Transat’s comparatively smaller fleet leaves them more vulnerable financially compared to major carriers like Air Canada and WestJet in case of a strike.
