Canadian leisure airline Air Transat confirmed on 7 December 2025 that it will halt operations on 8–9 December after pilots served a 72-hour strike notice. The walk-out could begin as early as 03:00 ET on 10 December if talks fail. While the dispute is centred in Canada, the carrier operates winter services between Toronto, Montréal and Dublin, as well as summer routes to Shannon.
Irish tour operators estimate that up to 2,200 passengers could be affected in the coming week, including VFR (visiting-friends-and-relatives) traffic ahead of Christmas. Transat says it offered pilots a 59 % pay rise over five years but the Air Line Pilots Association maintains that work-rules need modernising.
![Air Transat strike threatens Canada–Ireland holiday traffic as carrier suspends flights]()
Travel-management companies are advising corporate travellers to reroute via Aer Lingus, Air Canada or via London connections, warning that peak-season transatlantic capacity is already tight. Employers with assignment starts in January are urged to book alternative flights immediately and to check immigration paperwork; CBSA exit stamps issued at preclearance could lapse if staff are stranded beyond visa validity.
The strike also highlights concentration risk for Ireland’s connectivity: Air Transat carries roughly 8 % of passengers on the Canada–Ireland market during high season. Aviation analysts say the episode could bolster Aer Lingus’s case for additional slots and could reignite debate over passenger-cap legislation at Dublin Airport.
Irish authorities have not issued specific guidance but the Department of Foreign Affairs recommends affected travellers monitor airline updates and consider EU261 compensation claims if rerouted via EU hubs.
Irish tour operators estimate that up to 2,200 passengers could be affected in the coming week, including VFR (visiting-friends-and-relatives) traffic ahead of Christmas. Transat says it offered pilots a 59 % pay rise over five years but the Air Line Pilots Association maintains that work-rules need modernising.
Travel-management companies are advising corporate travellers to reroute via Aer Lingus, Air Canada or via London connections, warning that peak-season transatlantic capacity is already tight. Employers with assignment starts in January are urged to book alternative flights immediately and to check immigration paperwork; CBSA exit stamps issued at preclearance could lapse if staff are stranded beyond visa validity.
The strike also highlights concentration risk for Ireland’s connectivity: Air Transat carries roughly 8 % of passengers on the Canada–Ireland market during high season. Aviation analysts say the episode could bolster Aer Lingus’s case for additional slots and could reignite debate over passenger-cap legislation at Dublin Airport.
Irish authorities have not issued specific guidance but the Department of Foreign Affairs recommends affected travellers monitor airline updates and consider EU261 compensation claims if rerouted via EU hubs.
