Flight prices across Canada have surged to extreme levels as Air Canada’s three-day strike forced travelers to competing airlines, charging hundreds or thousands more than usual rates.
More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants remained on strike Monday despite government orders to return to work, grounding Canada’s largest airline and disrupting travel for about 130,000 passengers each day at the height of vacation season.
The capacity shortage led to a 300-400% increase in domestic flight prices on some routes. Travelers posted screenshots showing Toronto-to-Victoria flights priced at $1,359, compared to typical rates of around $300-$400. International routes like Edinburgh-to-Toronto showed prices above $2,500, up from usual summer rates of $500-700.
Some Google Flights searches displayed even more extreme prices, including a Toronto-to-Halifax route showing $19,176, though this appeared to be a technical error.
Canada’s labor relations board ruled the strike illegal Monday, demanding workers return by noon. Union leaders refused, saying they would accept fines or jail time rather than comply.
“If Air Canada thinks planes will be flying this afternoon, they’re sorely mistaken,” Canadian Union of Public Employees president Mark Hancock said Monday.
The airline grounded 738 flights on Sunday, followed by roughly 400 additional cancellations on Monday. The airline suspended its 2025 profit forecast and advised passengers not to go to airports unless they have tickets on other carriers.
Related: Air Canada Strike: Ottawa Pulls Section 107 For Return-To-Work, But Union Defies Order
Flight attendants voted 99.7% in favor of striking after contract talks failed. They argue Air Canada’s proposed wage increases don’t match inflation, effectively cutting their pay.
WestJet, benefiting from diverted passengers, defended its pricing on social media: “Pricing reflects real-time demand. We know this is a tough time for many travellers.”
People on social media called the pricing a clear case of crisis exploitation. Consumer groups urged government intervention to prevent airlines from capitalizing on the capacity shortage.
The airline’s stock price dropped nearly 3% Monday as Air Canada withdrew its 2025 financial projections. The strike comes during the final weeks of summer vacation season when travel demand peaks.
The work stoppage, which has now ended thanks to terms being met overnight, was one of the largest airline disruptions in Canadian history. Previous Air Canada strikes typically lasted days before government intervention forced resolution.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu initiated binding arbitration over the weekend, but union leaders rejected the process as unconstitutional and designed to protect airline profits over worker rights.
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