It was a moment of cancellations, skyrocketing costs and unanswered telephone calls as holiday makers and business flyers entertained disappointing moments in the long wait for information and solutions as the strike in Air Canada entered a new day on Friday.
As this situation continues, CTV News Toronto heard from more than 100 Air Canada customers Saturday morning, including families stuck abroad, passengers stranded at airports and travellers left on hold for hours.
Many say they remain in limbo, citing that their flights have not yet been cancelled, leaving them unable to claim refunds or rebook elsewhere.
The strike by Air Canada’s flight attendants — which began at 12:58 a.m. ET Saturday — has suspended all operations by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, disrupting an estimated 130,000 passengers each day.
Across the country, hundreds are gathered at airports picketing and raising awareness for workers’ rights.
Air Canada flight attendants picketed at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.
According to a concerned citizen:
‘Our Canadian airline is now abandoning us.’
Ramos says her family’s six-day vacation could now come at a loss of thousands of dollars. They’ve booked non-refundable hotels in Nova Scotia but are unable to confirm if their Monday morning flight will depart.
“The one airline, that is our Canadian airline is now abandoning us and it really is frustrating,” Ramos said.
“We’re looking at either losing all non-refundable hotel money to the tune of $2,000 or $3,000 and not going on the trip, or spending $5,000 or $6,000 to get ourselves there and hoping to figure out the way back later.”
With children aged 8 and 13, she says flexibility isn’t an option.
“We try to do one family vacation every year, and this is it,” Ramos said.
Emily Ramos, a Toronto teacher, along with many others are dealing with the results of widespread Air Canada strike.
Her frustration goes beyond her own disrupted trip.
“I’m super disappointed in them as a company.” she said. “Air Canada is usually the most reliable up until this point
There aren’t as many airlines that we can rely on.”
