Air Transat has axed twelve flights scheduled for Tuesday and six for Wednesday as a potential pilots’ strike looms within 24 hours. The affected Tuesday flights include routes 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. Additionally, round trip flights between Montreal and Cancun, Toronto Pearson and Cancun, and Montreal and Punta Cana have been previously canceled.
Concerns are rising among passengers like Amélie Héroux-Gauthier from Gatineau, Que., who is set to tie the knot at a Mexican resort this week and fears her Air Transat flight might be grounded. The airline had warned of winding down operations if a deal with the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. (ALPA) was not reached by Tuesday.
ALPA issued a 72-hour strike notice on Sunday, potentially affecting flights starting at 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Negotiations are ongoing, with Air Transat making improved offers after acknowledging progress at the bargaining table. The airline has also dispatched planes to repatriate passengers abroad, anticipating strike-related disruptions.
Capt. Bradley Small, chair of the union’s Air Transat Master Executive Council, emphasized the commitment to reaching a fair agreement for both pilots and passengers. Labour expert John Gradek of McGill University noted that many labor disputes are resolved last-minute, underscoring the pressure to minimize disruptions before a strike deadline.
With a smaller fleet compared to major carriers like Air Canada and WestJet, Air Transat faces greater financial risk in the event of a strike, Gradek added. The airline continues negotiations in hopes of averting a strike that could significantly impact its operations.
