Air Canada flight attendants are officially on strike despite the federal government’s ruling that strike action is unlawful, and it’s impacting flights at Vancouver airport in a big way.
Earlier this morning, YVR sent out a communication on social media advising Vancouver passengers of some of the potential impacts of the strike on flights.
YVR officials say as of Monday morning, mainline Air Canada flights haven’t taken off, with a warning to passengers. AC Express and Jazz aren’t affected.
As of 7am PT today (Aug 18), Air Canada mainline flights have not yet resumed at YVR. Passengers should only come to the airport with a confirmed flight. AC Express, Jazz, and other airlines are not affected. More information: https://t.co/8orrNAG4RQ pic.twitter.com/EmqEBgwVj2
— YVR (@yvrairport) August 18, 2025
The YVR flight status page shows the impact that the strike is having on flights. As of around 9 a.m. on Monday, there are nearly 70 total Air Canada flights that are cancelled. A YVR spokesperson told Daily Hive that all of the mainline Air Canada flight cancellations are due to the labour dispute.
They also reiterated that if you don’t have a confirmed flight, please do not go to the airport.
Since Friday, 649 flights have been cancelled, according to the latest information we got from YVR.
Union shows no signs of slowing
The Air Canada Component of CUPE, which represents striking flight attendants, has been sharing updates on its Facebook page, including the latest on strike action.
It has also shared some photos of striking workers, including one with a sign that reads, “Serving pretzels to bring home peanuts.”
Air Canada Component of CUPE
The Air Canada Component of CUPE has also been sharing the feedback it has been getting from supporters.
“I have been flying AC for three + decades since I was a child, and while the industry and service [have] changed in that time, one thing that doesn’t change is how much I appreciate the flight attendants,” said one traveller in support.
Before the strike commenced, we received a statement from the YVR Strike Committee at Local 4094 on some of the realities that warranted job action.
“Affordability, inflation of costs, and corporate greed are the struggles of not just flight attendants, but of all Canadians. Because of unfair labour rules allowing an average of 35 hours a month of unpaid work, and a 10-year contract, we have a strong contingent of our membership that are living in literal poverty,” they said.
“Shouldn’t a full-time job with a highly profitable corporation be enough to meet your basic needs without living with your parents into your mid-30s, or away from home in a Dickensian rooming house?”