Toronto, Canada — Air Canada is set to resume flights after the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) intervened to end a strike by cabin crew members that paralyzed operations for the airline. The strike disrupted approximately 700 flights daily and left over 100,000 passengers in limbo, forcing many to seek alternative travel arrangements.

The CIRB mandated that Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants return to work by 2 p.m. ET on Sunday. This directive followed a recent order from Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs, aimed at resolving the labor dispute through binding arbitration — a solution that the airline had sought but which union representatives had vehemently opposed.

The strike, which began on Saturday, marked the first walkout by Air Canada cabin crew since 1985. Marketing and employee relations issues fueled the conflict, stemming from months of stalled negotiations over a new contract. The labor action left thousands of crews off the job, prompting the airline to begin canceling flights as early as Friday.

While Air Canada announced that flights would gradually restart on Sunday evening, officials cautioned that disruptions may persist for a week or more as the schedule stabilizes. The airline is working diligently to return its operations to normal in the aftermath of the strike.

Travelers are being advised to check for updates on their flights as Air Canada navigates the recovery process. The strike and its abrupt conclusion underscore the tensions between the airline and its employees amid frustrations over contract negotiations.

Officials are urging patience as the airline works to rectify the situation in light of the extensive impact caused by the abrupt labor stoppage.