Concerns may arise among travelers as another labor strike looms, threatening potential disruptions to flight schedules.
Following a strike mandate issued by the pilots’ union representing its 750 members, Air Transat has announced a gradual shutdown of operations over the next three days. This development comes after a recent strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August that led to flight cancellations.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) stated that Air Transat pilots are poised to strike as early as 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Air Transat indicated that flights will be progressively suspended between Monday and Tuesday with a focus on minimizing inconvenience for passengers.
Geraint Harvey, an expert on labor relations in the commercial aviation sector at Western University, highlighted the significant disruption caused by any strike action, particularly during the holiday season when people are traveling to reunite with loved ones.
So, what does this mean for travelers? Let’s delve into the details.
As Air Transat prepares for a potential pilot strike, some flights have already been canceled as the airline adjusts its operations.
What to Expect with Flights?
Air Transat foresees flight cancellations starting gradually on Monday, leading to a full suspension by Tuesday. If you have travel plans with Air Transat between now and Friday, they may be impacted, according to the airline.
“The company deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to travelers during this busy period,” Air Transat stated on its website.
Air Transat operates year-round flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, with seasonal services to various destinations. Passengers affected by cancellations will receive direct email notifications and refunds based on their payment method.
The airline’s priority is to repatriate travelers from their destinations, with additional flights scheduled to facilitate the process, as per Air Transat’s statement to CBC News.
Current Flight Cancellations
As of now, flights scheduled for Monday are proceeding as planned, with only a few Transat flights canceled in the upcoming days at various Canadian airports. The specific cancellations are visible on the respective airport websites, though their relation to the labor action remains unclear.
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