ACTA is keeping a close watch on Air Canada’s potential service disruption and assessing its impact on members and their clients.

The airline issued a 72-hour lockout notice on August 13, to CUPE, which represents 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, after the union announced plans to strike.

Flight attendants could potentially walk off the job Saturday at 12:58 a.m. ET if a deal isn’t reached by then to avoid a work stoppage.

“Service disruptions of this potential magnitude create significant challenges for our members and their clients, and this underscores why working with a professional travel advisor matters,” said Suzanne Acton-Gervais, President of ACTA. “While no one enjoys disruptions, they demonstrate the critical role travel advisors play – advocating for clients, rebooking flights, finding alternatives and guiding travellers through complex situations. Having a trusted professional in your corner makes all the difference.”

ACTA described the situation as unfortunate and noted that even a short strike could trigger considerable disruption during the busy summer travel season, as winding down and ramping up airline operations takes time.

The organization welcomed Air Canada’s proactive communication and the swift implementation of a flexible booking policy for travel between August 15 and 18, 2025. ACTA also noted the airline’s commitment to protecting travel advisor commissions, a key priority for the association.

Acton-Gervais highlighted the importance of comprehensive travel insurance for travellers: “Many policies can cover expenses related to labour disruptions, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Travel advisors offer the expertise to help travellers choose the right coverage for their specific needs.”

ACTA confirmed it will continue to monitor developments closely and remains committed to supporting Canada’s travel advisor community throughout the period.

Source: Travelweek