London airport expects minimal impact from potential Air Canada strike

CTV London’s Lauren Stallone looks into how a possible work stoppage at Air Canada could impact flights at YXU.

Officials at London International Airport (YXU) said they are not concerned about potential impacts as Air Canada prepares to gradually suspend flights ahead of a possible work stoppage on Saturday.

“The London International Airport is served by Air Canada Jazz, which is a regional carrier, so they do not have the same labor agreements that Air Canada Mainline has,” said Scott McFadzean, president of London International Airport.

McFadzean said if passengers are trying to connect to cities on the main Air Canada network, their travel plans may be disrupted.

“Mainland is typically into bigger international hubs where the regional aircraft connects so in the case of Jazz, they intend to operate the schedule as planned out of London,” said McFadzean. “If there is a strike action then connections out of London could be impacted.”

Officials are urging travellers to monitor Air Canada updates closely for the time being.

“Canadian Airports Council is following it closely and keeping all airports up to date on the plans,” said McFadzean.

If the strike proceeds, work stoppage would officially take effect Saturday around 1 a.m.