As the travel industry grapples with recent disruptions, Canadian travel advisors are bracing for another potential setback: a looming strike by Air Canada pilots. This comes on the heels of the WestJet mechanics strike, which caused widespread cancellations during the Canada Day long weekend.
In an interview with Travel Market Report (TMR) at the Travel Market Place Calgary event, industry experts discussed the anticipated impact of the Air Canada strike. The summer chaos for Calgary’s primary airline, WestJet, was compounded by a strike, Hurricane Beryl, and a severe hailstorm that led to the grounding of 16 aircraft.
Cathy Wiechnik, CTC of Xcursions, expressed relief that none of her clients were booked on Air Canada flights for September. Reflecting on her experiences during the WestJet strike, Wiechnik remarked, “I suffered through the WestJet strike—that was a nightmare. You just do what you can, prepare your clients, and tell them to prepare for the worst.”
Diane Mason of Mountain City Travel echoed this sentiment, noting she is on “high alert” despite not being directly affected by the anticipated strike. “I am dialed into my client list and monitoring their travel plans closely—being proactive where I can,” Mason said.
Laura Tempan, CTC of Sun Touch Travel, has already faced challenges, having rebooked several clients as a precaution. “I’ve already rebooked probably half a dozen clients with backup plans that they can cancel if needed, just so they can still reach their destinations,” Tempan told TMR. “It’s going to impact the industry significantly.”
Travel advisors across the country are preparing for potential disruptions, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the industry amid labor disputes and unforeseen events.
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