Air Transat Faces Flight Suspensions Amid Pilot Strike Notice

 

Air Transat has announced it will gradually suspend flights starting Monday following a 72-hour strike notice issued by its pilots’ union. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing roughly 700 pilots, delivered the notice after nearly a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the airline’s parent company, Transat A.T. Inc.

Background

• The union filed the strike notice on Sunday, giving pilots the legal right to walk off the job as early as Wednesday.
• Last week, pilots voted 99% in favor of strike action, underscoring their frustration over stalled contract talks.
• ALPA leaders emphasized that pilots do not want to strike but feel compelled to act after management failed to meet demands for a modernized agreement.

Airline Response

• Air Transat confirmed it will begin suspending flights gradually between December 8 and 9 to prepare for a possible full shutdown.
• The company stated it is working “around the clock” to reach a deal and minimize disruption for travelers.
• Customers affected by cancellations will be notified and offered alternative solutions, including rebooking or refunds.

Impact on Travelers

• The strike notice comes at a critical time, just ahead of the busy holiday travel season.
• Canadians planning winter vacations may face significant disruptions if no agreement is reached.
• The airline has urged passengers to check its official strike information page for updates.

What’s Next

Negotiations remain ongoing, but unless progress is made, pilots could officially strike by Wednesday morning, grounding much of Air Transat’s operations. Both sides say they hope to avoid a shutdown, but the situation highlights growing labor tensions in Canada’s airline industry.

In short: Air Transat is bracing for major disruptions as its pilots prepare to strike, forcing the airline to suspend flights in the coming days.