Air Canada Strike Ends: Cancún Flights Impacted

Cancún, Mexico — The strike by Air Canada flight attendants, which paralyzed operations since last Friday, has concluded following a preliminary agreement reached between the union and the airline. The company has confirmed the progressive resumption of its flights, though the disruptions have already left a significant impact on tourist destinations such as Cancún.

For four days, more than 10,000 workers suspended their duties, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights around the world and affecting half a million passengers. At Cancún International Airport, 22 arrivals and departures were canceled, primarily to and from the cities of Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

The disruptions began on Friday, August 15, with two cancellations, followed by six on Saturday and eight on Sunday. By Monday, August 18, another six flights were suspended, including routes to Montreal and Toronto, which are the most important connections to the Mexican Caribbean.

Canadian tourism holds the second position of importance for Quintana Roo, only behind the United States. This year, it has shown an 11 percent recovery compared to previous years, which is why the interruption in Air Canada flights generated concern within Cancún's tourism sector.

Although the strike has been called off, Canadian airport authorities confirmed that the restoration of operations will be gradual. The airline reported that connections will gradually return to normal as coordination with flight personnel advances, pending the ratification of the agreement reached with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

Other Airlines Maintained Connectivity Between Cancún and Canada

It is important to note that the suspension of operations did not leave the Mexican Caribbean without air connectivity to Canada. Other airlines, such as WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing, and Flair Airlines, continued to operate normally and also established agreements to transport passengers affected by the strike.

The labor conflict originated from contractual differences between the flight attendants and the company at its Montreal base. Despite an order from a regulatory tribunal instructing a return to work on Sunday, the union decided to remain on strike until a new agreement with the airline was reached.

With the preliminary agreement, workers are obligated to reintegrate into their activities to allow Air Canada to reactivate its operations. The document will be submitted for consultation among the union's members in the coming days.