Thousands of Travellers Brace for Disruptions as Pilots Prepare for Possible Work Stoppage
Air Transat passengers are facing growing uncertainty as the airline prepares for a potential pilot strike that could begin within days. With the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) issuing a 72-hour strike notice this past weekend, the possibility of significant travel disruptions looms large—especially as the busy holiday season approaches.
The strike notice means Air Transat’s 750 pilots could legally walk off the job as early as 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, forcing the leisure airline to pre-emptively scale back its operations to avoid leaving customers stranded abroad. With nearly 40 aircraft and more than 500 scheduled flights each week, even a short-lived work stoppage could send shockwaves across the carrier’s entire flight network.
As the countdown continues and negotiations intensify in Montreal, here are the three most important things travellers need to know ahead of the potential strike deadline.
1. When Could the Air Transat Strike Begin?
Strike Could Start Early Wednesday Morning
The strike could officially begin at 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday, following the 72-hour notice issued by ALPA, which represents Air Transat’s pilot workforce. The notice signals the union’s readiness to take job action after months of negotiations that have failed to produce a new collective agreement.
Transat A.T. Inc., the parent company of Air Transat, has begun implementing its wind-down plan to prevent passengers from becoming stranded in destinations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Airline Begins Pre-Strike Cancellations
The company says it will gradually suspend flights ahead of the strike deadline. This proactive step is intended to keep disruptions more manageable and ensure that flights already in progress can return to Canada without difficulty.
With nearly 40 active planes operating over 500 flights per week, even a brief labour disruption could take days—or longer—to recover from.
Ripple Effects Could Extend Beyond the Strike
Even if a strike is averted at the last moment or lasts only a short period, the resulting cancellations and schedule reshuffling could unsettle Air Transat’s operations for an extended stretch. Airlines rely on tight scheduling, aircraft rotation, and crew assignments, meaning any break in routine can lead to prolonged turbulence.
Passengers should be prepared for ongoing schedule adjustments and the possibility of delayed rebookings.
2. What Happens If My Air Transat Flight Gets Cancelled?
Passengers Departing Before December 12
For travellers scheduled to depart before December 12, Air Transat has issued a clear recommendation:
Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
In the event of a cancellation:
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Passengers will receive a notification by email
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A refund will be issued automatically for the cancelled itinerary
These measures are intended to minimize confusion during the wind-down and help customers make alternate travel plans quickly.
Passengers Departing On or After December 13
For those travelling on or after December 13, Air Transat says its standard terms and conditions will apply. These include refund options, booking modifications, and other customer-service protocols normally used during operational changes.
If Your Return Flight Is Cancelled
Air Transat has outlined a specific plan for passengers who may be stuck abroad due to return-flight cancellations:
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You will be booked on the next available flight within 48 hours of your original departure time, if such a flight exists
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If you decline the alternative flight option, you are entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your ticket
This structure is common among Canadian carriers during significant disruptions.
Do Passengers Qualify for Compensation?
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), cancellations or major delays caused by labour disruptions—such as strikes—are classified as events outside the airline’s control.
According to SkyRefund CEO Ivalyo Danailov, this classification means passengers are typically not eligible for monetary compensation, even if their travel plans are severely impacted.
Refunds and rebooking options will be available, but compensation beyond the cost of the ticket is unlikely in cases tied to labour-related disruptions.
3. Why Are Air Transat Pilots Threatening to Strike?
Union Seeking Updated Wages and Better Working Conditions
The core issue driving the strike is the age and condition of the pilots’ current collective agreement, which ALPA says is no longer adequate for today’s industry realities. The union argues that its members deserve:
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Higher wages
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Improved job security
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Better quality of life provisions
The existing agreement is 10 years old, and pilots say it does not reflect modern labour standards or the increased pressures of the post-pandemic aviation market.
Intense Negotiations Continue in Montreal
Both sides have been engaged in round-the-clock bargaining sessions in Montreal for more than a week. Transat A.T. Inc. says it is committed to reaching a deal that avoids a complete shutdown of operations during what is typically one of the airline’s most profitable seasons.
However, the tone between the union and the company has grown strained. Each side has accused the other of failing to compromise adequately, raising concerns that the gap in negotiations may be difficult to bridge in the remaining hours.
Labour Shortage Adds Pressure to Talks
The aviation industry is still grappling with a global pilot shortage, which has put pressure on airlines across North America. In its latest annual report, Transat acknowledged the mounting demands from pilot unions amid tightening labour conditions.
With fewer experienced pilots available and demand for travel increasing, airlines are under growing pressure to offer stronger compensation packages to retain talent.
This broader industry context has strengthened the union’s bargaining position and increased the stakes for both sides.
Pilots Strongly Support Strike Action
In a dramatic show of solidarity, Air Transat pilots voted 99% in favour of a strike, with 98% voter turnout. This overwhelming mandate suggests the union’s membership is unified in its resolve and prepared to take job action if negotiations fail.
What Travellers Should Expect in the Coming Days
Uncertainty Remains Until an Agreement Is Reached
With the strike deadline fast approaching, the next 48 hours are critical. Negotiators will continue discussions in hopes of avoiding a shutdown that could disrupt thousands of holiday travel plans.
Airline Will Continue Adjusting Flights Pre-Strike
Passengers should expect:
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More cancellations as Wednesday approaches
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Email notifications for any affected flights
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Refunds for pre-strike cancellations
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Rebooking options for return flights
The best strategy for travellers is to monitor their itineraries closely and be prepared for last-minute changes.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Deadline With Major Travel Implications
The potential Air Transat pilot strike represents one of the most significant labour actions to hit the Canadian aviation sector during the busy winter travel season. With a firm strike deadline set and negotiations ongoing, passengers are left in a state of uncertainty—wondering whether their flights will operate as planned or fall victim to the growing labour dispute.
Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: whether or not a strike ultimately takes place, the pre-emptive cancellations and schedule disruptions are already reshaping travel plans for thousands of customers.
Travellers booked to fly with Air Transat in the coming days are urged to stay informed, check their email frequently, and monitor flight status updates before heading to the airport.
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