Air Canada Cancels Dozens of Flights Amid Ongoing Operational Disruptions
Toronto, ON – April 12, 2025 — Air Canada passengers are facing significant travel disruptions this week as the airline has cancelled dozens of flights across its domestic and international networks. The cancellations, which began earlier this week, are reportedly due to a combination of operational challenges, including staffing shortages, aircraft maintenance issues, and weather-related delays in key hubs.
Passengers at major airports including Toronto Pearson International, Vancouver International, and Montreal-Trudeau International have reported long lines, delayed departures, and limited rebooking options. While the airline has issued apologies and is offering accommodations and alternative flights where possible, many travelers are expressing frustration over the lack of clear communication and the scale of the disruption.
What Caused the Disruptions?
Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, has attributed the widespread cancellations to a convergence of issues rather than a single cause. A spokesperson for the airline said in a statement:
> “We are currently experiencing a series of operational disruptions due to a combination of factors including unplanned aircraft maintenance, crew scheduling challenges, and weather-related delays. We are working hard to minimize the impact on our customers and are committed to restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.”
Industry analysts point to ongoing labor shortages affecting the aviation sector globally, especially among pilots, mechanics, and ground crews. Although Air Canada ramped up hiring efforts throughout 2024, sources say the airline is still struggling to maintain full staffing levels needed for its spring and summer schedules.
Additionally, an unusually stormy start to April in parts of Canada and the northeastern United States has added to the chaos, with lightning storms and high winds causing temporary shutdowns of runways and ground operations.
Impact on Travelers
According to flight tracking service FlightAware, Air Canada cancelled more than 120 flights over the past three days, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. The majority of the impacted flights have been domestic, though several transborder and international flights were also affected.
Travelers have taken to social media to vent their frustrations. One Twitter user posted, “I’ve been stuck in Pearson for 8 hours and no one from Air Canada can tell us when our flight will leave. No meal vouchers, no updates. Absolutely unacceptable.”
Another traveler, Sandra Li, who was trying to fly from Montreal to Vancouver for a family emergency, said her flight was canceled three hours after its scheduled departure.
> “It’s the not knowing that’s the worst,” she said. “If they had just told us from the beginning, we could’ve made alternate plans.”
Some passengers have reported being rebooked on flights several days later, while others have opted for refunds or alternate carriers, though availability is limited due to the busy spring travel period.
Union and Staff Response
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents flight attendants, have both acknowledged the increased pressure on their members amid the disruptions.
An ACPA representative told reporters that pilots are working overtime and under strained schedules due to the airline’s current staffing levels.
> “We’ve been voicing concerns about fatigue and understaffing for months,” the representative said. “What’s happening now is a result of long-term systemic issues that haven’t been fully addressed.”
Similarly, CUPE members say that flight attendants are bearing the brunt of passenger frustration, often with little support from management.
> “Frontline staff are doing their best, but they are overwhelmed,” said one flight attendant who requested anonymity. “It’s not just frustrating for travelers—it’s exhausting and demoralizing for us too.”
Government Monitoring the Situation
Transport Canada has acknowledged the growing number of complaints and confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely. In a brief statement, the department said it is in communication with Air Canada to ensure that passenger rights are being upheld.
Under the federal Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines are required to offer compensation, rebooking, or refunds for cancellations within the airline’s control. However, exceptions apply for cancellations caused by safety or weather-related reasons, which can complicate claims.
Consumer advocacy groups are urging the government to enforce stricter oversight and ensure that travelers are properly compensated.
> “We’ve seen too many cases where passengers are left in limbo without the support they’re entitled to,” said Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights. “We need more transparency and accountability.”
Air Canada’s Next Steps
Air Canada has stated that it is working to stabilize its schedule and improve communication with affected passengers. In an update posted to its website, the airline urged travelers to check their flight status regularly and to use the mobile app for real-time updates.
The airline also noted that it is offering travel waivers for flexible rebooking and is working with partner carriers to accommodate stranded passengers where possible.
While there is no official timeline for a full return to normal operations, industry experts say the situation could persist for several more days.
> “Airlines are operating with very little buffer,” said aviation analyst Mark Davidson. “When something goes wrong—whether it’s weather, staffing, or technical issues—it creates a domino effect that can take days to recover from.”
Advice for Affected Passengers
Travel experts advise passengers to take proactive steps if they are flying with Air Canada or other Canadian carriers in the coming days:
Check flight status frequently online or via the airline’s mobile app.
Arrive early at the airport, especially if checking luggage or flying internationally.
Know your rights under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
Consider travel insurance for added protection during uncertain periods.
Contact the airline directly for rebooking or refund options, and document all communications.
For now, travelers are hoping that the worst of the disruptions is behind them and that the airline can recover swiftly.