Despite a nationwide strike by 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, Kamloops Airport continues to operate smoothly, with local flights unaffected so far. However, travellers connecting through Kamloops are urged to stay alert for possible disruptions on onward journeys.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the striking flight attendants, remains defiant against a federal back-to-work order. CUPE’s national president, Mark Hancock, said Monday the union “will not be returning to the skies this afternoon,” continuing the illegal strike that has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and affected over half a million passengers across Canada.

Air Canada’s CEO Michael Rousseau expressed disappointment with the ongoing walkout, calling it illegal and citing the widespread passenger impact. “We want to see an end to it,” he said, while confirming no Air Canada flights would operate Monday. He hopes the airline can resume services soon but said a decision on that will be made later.

Meanwhile, federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu says the federal government is set to launch a probe into allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector. One of the key complaints from the union representing 10-thousand Air Canada flight attendants was that workers are not being paid for duties before they take-off. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also commented saying he hopes both sides can resolve the job action as soon as possible to get air travel back up and running.

Locally, Jim Moroz, Managing Director of Kamloops Airport, told Radio NL that while flights operated by Air Canada Jazz from Kamloops are running as usual, passengers should carefully check their flight and connecting flight status.

“We don’t expect any impacts locally for our travellers, but we do highly recommend that they check the status of their flight through the Air Canada website or app,” Moroz said. “Air Canada has been doing a really good job at letting travellers know if their connection is affected, and staff here at YKA are available to help with questions and rebooking.”

Passengers planning travel through Kamloops are advised not to head to the airport without confirming their flight status, especially if they have connecting flights on Air Canada or its partners.

The labour dispute highlights ongoing tensions between unions and the federal government, with experts warning of serious consequences for defying back-to-work orders — including potential fines and jail time. CUPE’s president acknowledged the risk, saying, “If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. These rights have to mean something.”

For the latest flight updates or to check the status of your flight at Kamloops Airport, travellers are encouraged to visit the official Air Canada website or contact their airline directly.

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