UPDATE: Canada’s Air Transat is set to suspend operations as negotiations with its pilots have deteriorated, following a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) on December 7, 2025. Flight cancellations will begin on December 8 and continue through December 9, with a potential strike starting as early as 3:00 AM ET on December 10.
This urgent situation arises as ALPA represents approximately 700 pilots demanding a “modern contract” with industry-standard pay and job security to replace their outdated 2015 agreement. With 99% of the airline’s pilots voting in favor of a strike, the pressure is mounting for Air Transat to reach a resolution.
According to ALPA, the pilots have been negotiating for nearly a year without progress. Captain Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, emphasized, “There is still time to avoid a strike, but unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.”
In response, Air Transat described the strike threat as “premature,” arguing that they have made significant proposals, including a 59% salary increase over five years and improvements to working conditions. The airline contends that ALPA has not demonstrated sufficient openness in negotiations, which has led to this escalation.
The implications of this strike could be severe, particularly with the busy winter holiday season approaching. Air Transat operates approximately 71 flights per day and around 500 flights per week from its hubs at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The gradual suspension of flights is expected to disrupt travel plans for thousands of customers.
Air Transat operates a fleet of 43 aircraft, with an average age of 14.3 years, servicing destinations across North America, Europe, and beyond. The airline’s largest international network includes flights to countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The potential strike at Air Transat follows a similar situation with Air Canada, where employees also faced a strike earlier this year. The situation highlights growing tensions within the airline industry, as airlines struggle to meet employee demands for better pay and working conditions.
As the clock ticks down to the strike deadline, travelers and airline employees alike are on edge. What happens next will depend on the negotiations that continue between Air Transat and ALPA. Stakeholders are urged to stay updated as this developing story unfolds.
For travelers, the message is clear: keep an eye on Air Transat’s announcements and prepare for potential disruptions in the coming days.
