Air Transat is bracing for significant travel disruptions after its pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), issued a formal 72-hour strike notice on Saturday, December 7, 2025. The airline has confirmed it will begin suspending flights as early as Monday, December 9, throwing holiday travel plans into uncertainty for thousands of passengers.
The Path to a Strike Mandate
The labour action follows a decisive vote by the airline's pilots earlier in the week. On Wednesday, December 3, pilots gathered at the Air Transat Pilot Strike Centre in Montreal, where the results of a strike mandate vote were announced. The outcome was overwhelming, with 99 per cent of voting pilots endorsing job action.
Capt. Bibianne Lavallée, an Air Transat pilot and ALPA member, highlighted the unity and resolve among the cockpit crews. The strong mandate gave union leadership the leverage needed to proceed with the strike notice, setting the stage for the imminent work stoppage.
Immediate Impact on Flight Operations
In response to the notice, Air Transat has announced it will start halting flights on Monday. The airline is expected to proactively cancel and consolidate routes to manage the operational chaos. Passengers with bookings in the coming days are urged to monitor their flight status closely through the airline's official channels.
The timing of the strike is particularly problematic, coinciding with the early stages of the busy holiday travel season. Travellers are facing the prospect of last-minute cancellations, rebookings, and potential stranded connections.
What's Next for Passengers and Negotiations
The 72-hour notice period provides a narrow window for a last-ditch effort to reach a negotiated settlement. The core issues in the dispute, while not detailed in the initial announcement, typically revolve around contractual terms, working conditions, and compensation.
Air Transat will likely activate contingency plans, but the scale of a full pilot strike would cripple its operations. Affected passengers should:
- Check their email and the Air Transat website for specific flight updates.
- Review the airline's cancellation and refund policies.
- Consider travel insurance claims if applicable.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for a resolution before Monday or a prolonged dispute that could extend disruptions well into the holiday period. All eyes are now on the bargaining table as the clock ticks down on the strike deadline.
