Prime Minister urges both sides to prioritize Canadians as travel chaos continues
August 16, 2025 — Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged a quick resolution to the ongoing Air Canada strike, stressing that the dispute must not drag on as it continues to cause major travel disruptions across the country and internationally.
Carney stated that the strike, which has grounded hundreds of flights and stranded thousands of passengers, is “deeply disruptive for Canadians and damaging to the economy.” He called on both the airline and the flight attendants’ union to return to the bargaining table and find common ground without delay.
The federal government has already indicated that it is considering legislative options to end the impasse if negotiations fail to make progress. Despite this, union representatives have signaled that they will continue to press for better wages and working conditions, even as pressure mounts from both the government and frustrated travelers.
Industry experts warn that prolonged industrial action could cost millions of dollars in lost revenue and affect Canada’s aviation sector during peak travel season. Meanwhile, passengers are being advised to monitor updates and seek alternative travel arrangements where possible.