Travel Flash Report

TRAVEL FLASH - August 19, 2025

Breaking: Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge Remain Grounded Amid Ongoing Flight Attendant Strike

TOP 3 STORIES:
1. Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations remain suspended as the flight attendant strike continues, with all mainline and Rouge flights cancelled until at least 16:00 EDT today[4]. Travel professionals should proactively rebook affected clients and advise against airport visits unless confirmed on another carrier, as over 500,000 travelers face disruption[4].

2. Southwest Airlines is set to unveil a major 'Getaways' announcement today in celebration of National Aviation Day, with industry speculation pointing to new vacation packages or expanded route offerings[3]. Agents and frequent flyers should monitor for new deals or product launches that could impact fall and winter travel planning[3].

3. EVA Air flights from Toronto Pearson are disrupted due to a partial runway closure on August 19, causing schedule changes for departures[5]. Travelers and agents should check for updated flight times and anticipate possible knock-on effects for connecting itineraries[5].

Flash Insight: The Air Canada labor disruption highlights the ongoing vulnerability of airline operations to workforce actions, underscoring the need for robust contingency planning by both carriers and travel advisors. Meanwhile, U.S. carriers like Southwest are leveraging high-profile announcements to capture pent-up demand and drive bookings as the industry eyes a strong Q4. Infrastructure issues, such as Toronto’s runway closure, further emphasize the importance of real-time communication and flexibility in travel management.

[4] https://www.aircanada.com/media/air-canada-and-air-canada-rouge-operations-remain-suspended/
[3] https://www.mensjournal.com/news/southwest-teasing-major-getaways-announcement-august-19
[5] https://www.evaair.com/en-us/about-eva-air/news/travel-news/2025-08-19-yyz-news.html