Air Transat Pilots Issue 72-Hour Notice, Poised for Potential Strike Action

Air Transat pilots – represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) – have issued a 72-hour strike notice to the airline’s management, with the potential strike action beginning as early as 3 a.m. ET on Wed., Dec. 10, 2025.

Capt. Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC), said that: “There is still time to avoid a strike but unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.”

The Air Transat pilots have been negotiating for almost a year to achieve a modern contract with industry-standard pay, benefits, work rules, and job security to replace their current 2015 agreement.

On Dec. 2, 99% of the airline’s 750 pilots approved a vote authorizing their leadership to declare a strike if necessary.

Said Small: “No pilot wants to strike, but Air Transat management has left us no choice. Months of unproductive bargaining ends now. If we cannot reach an agreement, management will be responsible for every canceled flight and stranded passenger.”

Transat Responds

In a statement issued after being informed of the strike notice from its pilots, Air Transat advised that: “This means that the strike could formally begin on December 10, and that our operations will be disrupted until an agreement is reached. This notice compels us to implement an action plan that includes the gradual and orderly shutdown of our operations over the next three days.”

However, Air Transat made it clear in its statement that: “Despite this unforeseeable event, we are in intensive discussions and are making every effort to reach a new agreement quickly to limit disruptions to our clients’ travel plans. In any event, Air Transat will do everything possible to assist customers in returning to their point of origin.”

To help our customers who booked before the strike notice, we are now offering them greater flexibility if they are booked to travel within the next 5 days. They will be able to cancel their booking and obtaining a credit on their file, valid for 12 months. For all travel on or after December 13, the terms and conditions of their fare class apply.

The company also released a Q&A to respond to questions from travel advisors and their clients.

Transat Q&A

When will the strike begin?

• The 72-hour strike notice was announced by our pilots’ union on December 7. This means that the strike could formally begin on December 10 and that our operations will be disrupted until an agreement is reached.

Will this strike threat have an impact on my clients’ reservations?

• If your clients are travelling between now and December 12 inclusive, their travel plans may be affected.

Can clients cancel their reservations?

• For travels between now and December 12 inclusive: To offer more flexibility to your clients travelling within the next 5 days, we are offering them the possibility to cancel their booking using this form and get a credit on their file, valid for 12 months.
• For travels on or after December 13: Customers wishing to cancel their reservation may do so according to the terms and conditions of their fare class.

What happens if the file I am cancelling now has Option Flex?

• The credit being issued will include all components including the cost of Option Flex.

May my customer cancel their booking now using Option Flex?

• Regular terms of the Option Flex will apply, and you must use this form.

What happens to my commission?

• If your clients choose to cancel for credit, commission will be paid on the original file if it was paid in full.

If the pilots go on strike, what happens to my clients at destination?

• Air Transat will do everything possible to assist customers in returning to their point of origin.

• AIR TRANSAT FLIGHT

• If your clients’ flight is cancelled, they will receive a new ticket on the next available flight if such an option exists within 48 hours of the original departure time, or a refund of any unused portion of the trip.
• If the alternative offered by Air Transat is refused, they will be entitled to a refund of the unused ticket. Clients or agents may use this form to cancel their reservation.

• TRANSAT PACKAGES

• For those having booked a package who are at destination and whose stay may be extended, Transat will assume and cover any additional costs incurred.
• If your clients return early, Transat will refund any unused hotel nights.
• In the event of the refusal of the alternative proposed by Air Transat, they will be entitled to reimbursement of the unused ticket. Clients or agents may use this form to cancel their reservation.
• However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier would not be reimbursed.

If the pilots go on strike, what happens to my clients who are booked to travel on a package in the coming days?

• In the case of a vacation package, if the trip has not started, the booking will be cancelled, and a refund will be issued according to the payment method on file.
• However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier will not be reimbursed.

What happens if my clients are at destination and their flight is cancelled due to the strike, but have found a ticket on another airline?

• AIR TRANSAT FLIGHT

• If you or your clients have found a flight with another carrier within 48 hours of the original departure time, we will refund the unused portion with Air Transat. They can submit proof of purchase of the new ticket to obtain a refund of any difference in price for the unused portion via this form.
• However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier will not be reimbursed.

• TRANSAT PACKAGES

• If you or your clients find a flight with another carrier within 48 hours of the original departure time, Transat will refund the unused hotel nights and flight portion. You will be able to submit proof of purchase of the new ticket to obtain a refund of any difference in price for the unused portion via this form.
• However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier will not be reimbursed.

If the flight is operated and my clients decide to purchase a ticket on another airline, can they get a refund for that ticket from Air Transat?

• AIR TRANSAT FLIGHT

• No, Air Transat will not refund tickets purchased from another carrier. In addition, any unused portion of the Air Transat ticket is subject to the conditions of the fare class.

• TRANSAT PACKAGES

• No, Transat will not refund tickets purchased from another carrier. In addition, all portions of the Air Transat ticket and unused nights will be subject to Transat’s terms and conditions.