Air Canada ramping up operations to near full schedule

The Air Canada check-in area inside Terminal 1 of Toronto Pearson International Airport is pictured in Mississauga, Ont., on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

MONTREAL — Air Canada says operations are almost back to full capacity as it continues to ramp up flights following a flight attendants strike.

The airline says in a Friday morning update that it expects 98 per cent of Canadian flights and 99 per cent of U.S. and International flights to go ahead in the next 24 hours.

As of the update from 7 a.m. ET, it said it expects about 142,000 customers to travel over the period.

The restart comes after the airline reached a tentative deal with the union representing its flight attendants on Tuesday to end a strike that began on Saturday.

The strike disrupted the airline’s operations, resulting in the cancellation of flights.

Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s chief operations officer, said in a Thursday news release that the airline is restoring operations ahead of its plan.

The company said in its Friday operations update that it’s still working to clear the backlog because of the strike.

“Our teams are working around the clock behind the scenes to get customers on their way, collaborating with partner airlines worldwide to secure additional capacity and more rebooking options.”

On Thursday, the airline also said it had expanded its reimbursement policy to cover reasonable lodging and meal expenses.

More than 10,000 flight attendants for Air Canada will begin voting next week on a new tentative agreement that raises wages and establishes a pay structure for time worked when aircraft are on the ground.

The Canadian Press