Airline in Canada halts all flights to Dubai indefinitely, announces interruption.
Air Canada's summer travel season has been hit hard by a strike by its cabin crew, resulting in over 2,500 flight cancellations since last Thursday. This disruption has affected approximately half a million travelers, with around 130,000 passengers daily feeling the impact.
The strike has grounded outbound flights from Canada, with Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge cancelling hundreds of international flights, including those to and from Dubai International Airport. Air Canada flights between Toronto and Dubai are suspended until further notice.
Negotiations between Air Canada and the union representing 10,000 flight attendants, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), resumed late Monday in Toronto. The negotiations are the first direct talks since the strike began over the weekend.
The CUPE represents about 10,400 flight attendants of Air Canada and is currently involved in negotiations concerning a new collective agreement focusing on fair wages and compensation for all working time, including pre-flight duties like boarding, not just the time the aircraft is moving.
Despite rulings declaring the strike illegal and ordering attendants back to work by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the union president, Mark Hancock, stated that members would not return to work until a fair deal is reached, even at the risk of fines or jail.
Prime Minister Mark Carney urged both sides to resolve the dispute quickly, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and noting the widespread disruption. Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau remains hopeful for a rapid settlement.
Emirates' flights to Toronto and Montreal from Dubai's Terminal 3 are continuing as scheduled. However, only Emirates flights are currently operating between Dubai and Toronto and Montreal.
Passengers are asked to check their bookings before going to the airport. Flight information on the DXB website states that Air Canada flights scheduled for later this week are due to operate.
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