The Canadian Union of Public Employees, CUPE, which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants, confirmed that its members officially walked off the job at 12:58 a.m. local time, after serving a 72-hour strike notice earlier in the week.

“We are now officially on strike,” CUPE announced in a statement, stressing that the action follows months of failed negotiations over wages and working conditions.

The airline, which serves 180 destinations worldwide, said it had “suspended all operations” and urged passengers to avoid airports. “Air Canada deeply regrets the effect the strike is having on customers,” the company said in a statement.

In preparation for the strike, Air Canada had begun winding down operations Friday evening, cancelling 623 flights by 8:00 p.m. and stranding more than 100,000 travelers. Its entire Saturday schedule of 700 flights has also been scrapped, affecting an estimated 130,000 daily passengers.

With flights grounded and negotiations at a standstill, the strike marks one of the most significant disruptions in the airline’s history. Industry observers warn that if the standoff continues, it could trigger ripple effects across global air travel, as Air Canada is one of the largest carriers in North America.

Source: Punch