A strike by over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants has halted hundreds of flights, stranding some UAE residents in Canada as the disruption enters its third day.
Since Saturday, the walkout has paralyzed operations for the airline that normally flies 130,000 passengers daily. Despite a back-to-work mandate from Canada’s labor board, the union remains defiant, insisting the airline return to negotiations.
The impasse has grounded Air Canada’s fleet, creating chaos in summer travel and affecting passengers worldwide. For UAE travelers, the disruption has quickly escalated into a personal crisis.
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Emma Dylan, a UAE resident currently in Toronto, expressed her frustration with the airline’s poor communication. “Our direct flight was canceled without notice and replaced with a complex itinerary,” she said. “When I inquired about compensation or other options, the answers were vague. A staff member even hinted that the Dubai route was canceled due to the Middle East situation.” This left her unsure about what to do next.
Emma also faces the financial burden of finding alternatives. “Prices have tripled since it’s a last-minute booking,” she noted, adding that she usually books her flights months in advance.
Charlotte Felix, a Canadian living in Toronto, shared that her mother was supposed to fly from Dubai but is now stuck after the cancellation. “I keep checking with the airline and online, but there’s no clear information,” she said. “My mom is alone in Dubai, waiting to return. We just want to know if there are any alternatives or a timeline, but answers are elusive.”
Families with children are among the most affected. Antoine B, a UAE resident, took his kids to Canada for the summer and is now rushing to rebook before school starts. “I was scheduled to return this week for the start of school,” he said. “Now I’m looking at other airlines, but available seats are either sold out or very expensive. It’s a stressful situation for any parent.”
Air Canada, part of the Star Alliance network, intended to resume some flights on Sunday after the government pushed for arbitration. However, the union’s non-compliance has left the issue unresolved.
The Canadian government called the union’s defiance “almost unprecedented,” and experts warn that even if flights resume soon, normal schedules might take days or more to restore.
Currently, passengers are stuck in limbo, hoping for updates, considering costly alternatives, and awaiting a quick resolution between Air Canada and its workers.
