UPDATE: Canada’s Air Transat has begun suspending operations after the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) issued a 72-hour strike notice on December 7, 2025. The airline will progressively cancel flights from December 8 to December 9, with a potential strike starting as early as 3:00 AM ET on December 10, 2025.
This developing situation follows nearly a year of stalled negotiations between Air Transat and its 700 pilots. Pilots are demanding a modern contract that includes competitive pay, improved benefits, and better job security, aiming to replace the outdated agreement established in 2015.
A staggering 99% of Air Transat’s pilots authorized a strike on December 2, signaling their readiness to take action if necessary. Captain Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, stated, “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.”
Air Transat has responded to the strike notice, describing it as “premature.” The airline claims that negotiations have shown progress and has proposed a 59% salary increase over five years, along with major improvements to working conditions. However, Air Transat argues that ALPA’s demands are unreasonable and warns that this industrial action could severely impact customers and the airline’s 4,300 employees.
The potential strike comes at a critical time for Air Transat, based in Montreal, as it gears up for the busy winter holiday season. The airline operates approximately 71 flights per day and 500 flights per week, primarily from major hubs at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Air Transat’s fleet consists of 43 aircraft with an average age of 14.3 years, including models like the Airbus A321LR and A330-200. Travel disruptions could significantly affect passengers looking to travel domestically and internationally, as the airline serves various destinations across Europe, Central America, and more.
As events unfold, the urgency of a resolution intensifies. Air Transat is under pressure to negotiate a satisfactory agreement that addresses the pilots’ concerns while minimizing disruption to its operations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, and consider your travel plans if you are booked with Air Transat in the coming days.
The situation echoes recent labor disputes in Canada, such as the Air Canada flight attendants’ strike earlier this year, highlighting ongoing tensions in the aviation industry. As negotiations continue, the impact on airline operations, customer travel, and employee livelihoods remains paramount.
