A Canadian traveler is currently stuck in China due to the cancellation of her return flight amidst the ongoing Air Canada strike, despite a potential resolution between the airline and its flight attendants’ union.
Bonnie Guan, a producer at Breakfast Television, was all set to head back to Canada when she was notified that her flight had been grounded due to the labor dispute. Expressing her frustrations and uncertainties to CityNews, Guan shared her disappointment at the lack of clarity from the airline regarding her rescheduled journey.
“I was supposed to be en route to Vancouver and then Toronto by now, but that plan fell through… It’s been a mix of annoyance and predictability, considering the circumstances,” Guan lamented, mentioning that despite talks of a possible agreement, she is still awaiting word on a new flight arrangement.
Maxime Vidal, another Canadian traveler, recounted to The Canadian Press how his family’s Paris-bound flight from Toronto was axed, leaving them in the dark about their revised travel plans.
The setbacks have led to considerable extra expenses for Vidal and his family, who’ve had to foot the bill for additional nights at a hotel, unsure of when they will be able to continue their journey.
While Air Canada has announced the resumption of flights starting Tuesday evening (Aug. 19), they caution that it may take a week or so before operations return to normal as they realign aircraft and crew schedules.
Stranded passengers like Guan are left hanging as the airline scrambles to rebook those affected by the disruptions.
“If I had to arrange my own return trip this week with another airline, the cost would be exorbitant – over $15,000 for me, my spouse, and our kids,” Guan shared. “The rates drop in September, but it’s cutting it close. I’ve had to cancel plans, sell concert tickets, and now my son may miss the start of school.”
The strike kicked off over the weekend when flight attendants rejected the airline’s proposal for government-mediated arbitration, citing demands for improved pay and working conditions.
Travelers are advised to stay tuned to updates from Air Canada and consider alternative travel options if feasible.