Service in Prince George would remain mostly unchanged, even if Air Canada employees under CUPE do go on strike.

By Tommy Osborne

Potential Strike?

What would an Air Canada strike mean for Prince George?

Aug 7, 2025 | 5:33 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Contract negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) continue, which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. Earlier this week, CUPE announced 99.7% of its members voted in favour of a strike mandate, potentially creating service disruptions for Air Canada flights across the country. But what does this mean for Prince George?

“The important thing to note here for us is we don’t actually operate Air Canada flights over here. It’s Air Canada Jazz. Jazz Aviation LP operates on behalf of Air Canada, so they’re not actually involved in this round of negotiations. So for us that means there’s very little impact on the ground here,” explained the Prince George Airport Authority’s President and CEO Geoff Ritchie.

Even though Prince George flights are expected to remain unchanged, Ritchie says Prince George travelers should still take notice of any potential strike action, as it could impact possible connecting flights.

“The implications may be if and when your onward traveling from somewhere else. So if you’re connecting through Vancouver or Calgary or elsewhere with Air Canada, then there may be an impact on the Air Canada main line as they as you continue your journey,” Ritchie said.

It’s still unknown whether or not Air Canada employees will actually go on strike, although a 72-hour strike notice could be issued as early as August 16. Because of this, Ritchie encourages everyone to stay informed, and the best way to do so is by following Air Canada’s information directly.

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“It’s not something that the airport can influence or control or even share information on beyond what you’re already seeing in the media. We don’t necessarily get any more on that unless we get a schedule impact, at which point we’ll message that out anyway,” he said.

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