Air Canada is facing a $426,000 fine from the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) for violating federal passenger protection laws during the 2025 flight attendant strike.
The airline committed 71 violations of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) between Aug. 15 and 20, 2025 following flight cancellations outside of the carrier’s control relating to the flight attendant strike, according to a notice by the CTA.
Air Canada “failed to, at the passengers choice, provide a refund for any unused portion of the ticket, or provide the passenger, free of charge, with a confirmed reservation for the next available flight that is operated by an carrier,” the notice reads.
The penalty follows “a comprehensive investigation,” in connection to the labour disruption by flight attendants, according to the CTA. The violations were found in a “targeted sample of affected passengers.”
Under the APPR, airlines are required in situations outside of their control to rebook passengers, or provide a refund and other booking options ”should the passenger not be rebooked within a reasonable time.”
As passengers affected by the disruptions were fighting to claim reimbursements in 2025, Air Canada told the Star in November it “abides by the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which it operates and is an upstanding corporate citizen.”
The company argued that no compensation was due in cases of labour disruption under the APPR.
The Star reached out to Air Canada for comment, but has not heard back.
Air Canada has until April 18 to request a review of the fine by the Transportation Appeal Tribunal.
