DOHA, Qatar and NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Qatar Airways, named World’s Best Airline 2025 for a record ninth time by Skytrax, has selected The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as its new home in New York. The award-winning carrier will move its operations to the state-of-the-art terminal in 2026 and unveil a premium, 15,000-square-foot Qatar Airways lounge – the airline’s first dedicated lounge in both New York City and the United States.

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Qatar Airways launched operations in New York in 2008 at Terminal 8 at JFK Airport. The airline’s network in the US spans 11 destinations to serve more than 3 million passengers annually. With 18 weekly flights, Qatar Airways connects travelers from the US to over 170 destinations worldwide through its home and hub – Doha’s award-winning Hamad International Airport. 

The airline’s move to the New Terminal One and the opening of its first dedicated lounge at JFK Airport is in line with Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience, and reflects the strategic importance of New York City in Qatar Airways’ global network.

Offering efficient direct access to the boarding gate from Qatar Airways’ exclusive lounge, the new facility will provide an elevated experience featuring premium food and beverage options and best-in-class amenities including VIP check-in services, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, premium dining options, and duty-free shopping for Qatar Airways Business Class passengers.

In partnership with Qatar Airways, the New Terminal One will deliver an exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure. The terminal’s modern architecture, light-filled spaces and advanced technology will ensure a seamless and relaxing customer journey that complements Qatar Airways’ world-renowned onboard service. The New Terminal One’s extraordinary retail and dining, blending globally recognized brands and iconic New York favorites – will enrich the passenger experience and create lasting travel memories for those departing the “City That Never Sleeps.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, look forward to launching our operations at JFK Airport’s New Terminal One and welcoming Qatar Airways Business Class passengers to our first-ever exclusive lounge in the US. Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in to the finest of retail and dining options, premium passengers will be offered the World’s Best service at New Terminal One.

“Our move demonstrates the evolution of Qatar Airways’ long-standing commitment to connecting global travelers to New York and expanding our services in the destination integral to our network in the US.”

“We thank the Qatar Airways team for their confidence in us as we begin this exciting new chapter together at JFK,” said Jennifer Aument, CEO, The New Terminal One. “As an airline long synonymous with excellence, Qatar Airways’ decision to partner with the New Terminal One reaffirms the strong value we offer international carriers seeking to grow their presence in New York.”

About The New Terminal One

The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a best-in-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States. The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking.

The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK’s south side. Construction is taking place in phases with full completion in 2030. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion in 2030, the New Terminal One, with a total of 23 gates, will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport’s two new terminals combined.

The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and is committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including a commitment to target participation goals of 20% for minority-owned business enterprises, 10% for women-owned business enterprises, 10% for local business enterprises and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, visit https://portauthoritybuilds.com/redevelopment/us/en/jfk/planned-projects/terminal-1.html

• Board orders union and its officers to immediately cease all activities that declare or authorize an unlawful strike
• Individual flight attendants directed to resume their duties
• CUPE leadership told to publicly call halt to unlawful activity

MONTREAL, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada today said the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has declared ongoing strike activity by the company’s 10,000 flight attendants is illegal and has ordered the leadership of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to direct its members to return to work.

Following a hearing on August 17, the CIRB declared that CUPE’s strike is unlawful. It ordered the union leadership, which authorized the strike, to immediately tell its members to end the work stoppage. It also directed individual members of the union to cease all unlawful activities and return to work. In its ruling the board declared:

• The union and its officers are ordered to immediately cease all activities that declare or authorize an unlawful strike of its members and to direct the members of the bargaining unit to resume the performance of their duties;
• The members of the union’s bargaining unit are directed to resume the performance of their duties immediately and to refrain from engaging in unlawful strike activities;
• The union and its officers shall provide written public notice, either through its website or other means, to all members by 12:00 pm EDT on August 18, 2025, that it has revoked its declaration or authorization of strike activities and that all members are required to resume the performance of their duties.

Air Canada’s intended restart of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, which have been grounded since August 16 by CUPE’s labour disruption, was prevented on August 17 by the CUPE leadership’s unlawful strike activities. The airline now estimates 500,000 customers’ flights have been cancelled as a result. Air Canada regrets this impact on its customers and is fully committed to returning to service as soon as possible. Customers can find more information about their future flights and travel options at www.aircanada.com

• Affordable one-way fares start at $57
• Avelo expands its network to 50 cities spanning 20 states, Puerto Rico and three international destinations: Jamaica, Mexico and Dominican Republic

HOUSTON, Texas. August 14, 2025 – Avelo Airlines today announced six new routes, Wilmington, North Carolina’s first international route, three new routes in Charlotte / Concord, North Carolina and a new destination – Key West, Florida. Avelo will be the only airline offering nonstop flights on these six routes. Affordable one-way fares start at $57*.

Avelo will operate these routes utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. These exclusive routes expand Avelo’s affordable, convenient and industry-leading reliable air service introduced when the airline took flight in April 2021. Travelers can book at AveloAir.com.

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “We continue to Inspire Travel by growing our network at our newest bases. We’re adding a new destination in Key West, giving ILM their first international destination to the Dominican Republic and three new routes to our Charlotte base. These new routes offer our Customers even more choices, making it easier and more affordable than ever for our Customers to get where they want to go.”

From Coastal Carolina’s Wilmington International Airport (ILM):

Avelo will serve 17 nonstop destinations from ILM base.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)

• Begins December 24, 2025, with twice weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays

West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI)

• Begins November 20, 2025, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays

From the Florida Keys’ Key West International Airport (EYW):

Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN)

• Begins November 19, 2025, with twice weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays

From Charlotte’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA):

Avelo will serve 8 nonstop destinations from USA base.

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• Begins October 22, 2025, with twice weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays

West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI)

• Begins October 23, 2025, with four times weekly service on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays

Albany, New York (ALB)

• Begins October 23, 2025, with four times weekly service on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays

America’s Most Reliable and Convenient Airline

Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 7.7 million Customers on over 61,000 flights. Today Avelo serves 50 cities spanning 20 states and Puerto Rico, as well as three international destinations: Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice, and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Most Avelo routes have at least one small, easy to use airport. This makes traveling with Avelo a smoother, easier and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports.

Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In 2024, Avelo ranked #1 in on-time performance and achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry. These results are provided by Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company also utilized by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual airline ranking. Anuvu’s complete industry results and rankings are available at AveloAir.com.

Avelo also delivers world-class customer satisfaction, exemplified by our Net Promoter Scores (NPS), which consistently rank among the best airlines and most admired brands in the world.

Avelo offers a range of seating options. These include Standard, Stretch, and Stretch+ seating. Stretch provides extra legroom, with pitch ranging from 32 inches to over 36 inches. Stretch+ features a unique upgrade where the middle seat is blocked for added comfort and space. Customers can also purchase window and aisle seats in advance of their flight. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 14 and under will be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.

National Airlines possessed one of the more striking and expessive liveries of the late 1960’s and 1970’s. The orange and yellow stripes and “Sun King” logo (in my opinion one of the best ever designed for an airline) made it crystal clear that NAL was very much “Florida’s Own Airline,” based in Miami for many years before arch-competitor Eastern moved its corporate headquarters there in 1975. Late in 1971 National launched its famous (or, for some, infamous) “Fly Me” advertising campaign which included virtually every NAL aircraft receiving a female name painted somewhere near their jet’s forward passenger loading doors. Boeing 727-25 “N4614” was no exception, being christened “Ann.” This practice continued until 1977 when “Fly Me” was finally replaced by “Watch us Shine” as the offical corporate slogan and by 1979 most, if not all, of the names had been removed. This photograph depicts Ann at Miami, possibly undergoing some line maintenance, and looking like she has just received a repaint. Time is unknown, but it is quite possible this image dates to the period shortly after “Fly Me” ads began appearing in October of 1971. N4614 continued to fly National’s domestic routes until the airline’s ill-fated merger with Pan American in January of 1980. At that time the Boeing trijet received a new name: “Clipper Reporter.” After passing through periods of ownership by several other operators the 727 was reported as being scrapped in Ottawa, Ontario in 1995.

New service from Boston and New York to Vero Beach, Fla. marks JetBlue’s first entry into the market, along with the return of Daytona Beach, Fla.

New routes also connect Tampa, Fla. with Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Islip, N.Y. with Fort Myers and Tampa, Fla.; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. with Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced an expansion of its route map with added destinations and more flights that enhance its position in key leisure markets and strengthen its Boston and New York focus cities. The latest growth, now available to book on jetblue.com, includes JetBlue’s first-ever service to Florida’s Vero Beach (VRB) as well as the return of service to Daytona Beach (DAB), bringing the airline’s low fares and award-winning service to more popular and underserved coastal destinations.

JetBlue will bring service to the two popular Florida beach cities from both Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in December 2025. The additions build on JetBlue’s leading presence in the Northeast and strengthen its position as a preferred carrier for travel to and from Florida.

“Florida continues to be a place JetBlue’s unique combination of low fares and great service resonates, and we’re proud to grow our footprint with these new destinations to meet customer demand for more of the Sunshine State,” said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president, network planning and airline partnerships. “Whether it’s customers in the Northeast looking for a warm getaway or Floridians traveling north, we’re excited to bring more choices and better service to these markets.”

Expanding Access Across the Sunshine State

Elsewhere in Florida, JetBlue is adding service to Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) from Tampa (TPA) and Fort Myers (RSW), providing more convenience for Long Island travelers seeking Florida sunshine this winter. JetBlue already offers nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and West Palm Beach from Long Island.

The airline is also adding service from Florida to the Dominican Republic, with new routes from Tampa to Punta Cana (PUJ) and Fort Lauderdale to Santiago de los Caballeros (STI), growing international connectivity from Florida and giving travelers even more ways to reach the Caribbean with JetBlue.¹

Fresh Florida Flying

Expanded Latin America & Caribbean Service from Boston

JetBlue is also deepening its commitment to its Boston focus city by significantly expanding service this winter to Latin America and the Caribbean from Logan International Airport. The airline will increase service to four popular destinations this winter, St. Thomas (STT), Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), St. Maarten (SXM) and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) and now offer daily flights to each. JetBlue will also add a second Saturday flight to Grand Cayman (GCM) and Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI) during the season.

These routes build on JetBlue’s strength as Boston’s premier leisure airline and offer more nonstop options to warm-weather destinations, meeting strong demand for international getaways. This year, JetBlue will offer the most flights from Boston to the Caribbean and Florida with nearly double the number of seats between Boston and Florida and nearly four times as many flights to Latin America and the Caribbean as the next largest carrier this December.

Latin America & Caribbean Expansion from Boston

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

Introduces new flights from Newark and LaGuardia

BermudAir is enhancing its East Coast presence this winter with the launch of new direct flights from Bermuda to Newark Liberty International (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) airports, beginning the week of October 26, 2025. Building on the airline’s established presence in the New York metropolitan area, these additions will give travellers even greater choice and convenience, while strengthening year-round connectivity between Bermuda and one of its most important visitor markets.

From December 18, 2025, travellers departing from Newark will also have the opportunity to travel to Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), branded as AnguillAir. This seasonal service opens the door for New York-area travellers to enjoy two distinctive island experiences, with the option of Bermuda’s vibrancy and charm or the serene elegance of Anguilla.

Flights between Bermuda and Newark will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, with departures from Bermuda at 8:00 am, arriving at 9:30 am, and return flights departing at 11:00 am, arriving back in Bermuda at 2:15 pm. Service to LaGuardia will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with similar convenient timings. Newark–Anguilla flights will run twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, complementing BermudAir’s previously announced Anguilla connections from Boston and Baltimore.

“Expanding our New York-area service is a significant step forward for BermudAir, providing both leisure and corporate travellers with more flexibility and convenient access to Bermuda,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO at BermudAir. “The Newark–Anguilla flights create an exciting opportunity for us to serve a vibrant and diverse travel market that values high-quality island experiences. It allows us to respond to strong demand for easy, reliable access to Caribbean destinations.”

“We are excited to welcome BermudAir’s new service to Anguilla, said The Honourable Cardigan Connor, Anguilla’s Minister of Health, Sports, and Tourism. “This new connection will make it easier than ever for visitors from key markets in the United States to experience our island’s natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. The convenience of direct flights will undoubtedly attract more travellers and further establish Anguilla as a top Caribbean destination.”

“The addition of BermudAir’s nonstop service from Newark is a tremendous win for Anguilla’s tourism sector and our valued visitors,” said Jameel Rochester, Director of Tourism. “With direct flights now available from Boston, Baltimore, and Newark, travellers from the U.S. Northeast have more convenient access than ever to our award-winning island. This enhanced connectivity not only makes it easier for guests to experience Anguilla’s pristine beaches, world-class cuisine, and warm hospitality, but also strengthens our position as the Caribbean’s premier luxury destination.”

The introduction of these direct flights, branded as AnguillAir, highlights BermudAir’s commitment to offering convenient travel options to highly sought-after destinations.

To celebrate the launch of new flights, BermudAir is offering 20% off on its entire network for travel from September 7, 2025, through March 26, 2026. Blackout dates applied between December 21, 2025, and January 4, 2026. The booking period will be available until Sunday, August 17, 2025.

All flights will be operated on BermudAir’s comfortable Embraer E175 and E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality. Tickets are now available for purchase on www.flybermudair.com. For more information, flight schedules or a more personalised travel experience through BermudAir Holidays, visit www.flybermudair.com.

Airline celebrates new Savannah (SAV) service with Free Spirit® bonus points promotion on flights between SAV and Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville and Detroit

DANIA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spirit Airlines (NYSE American: FLYY) landed at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) for the first time today, bringing high-value travel to the Hostess City of the South. The airline launched its new SAV service with daily, nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), connecting Savannah’s southern charm to the popular New York metropolitan area. Spirit’s SAV route map will grow this fall with the launch of flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) starting Oct. 9, 2025, and service to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) beginning Oct. 10, 2025.

“We’re always looking for new destinations our Guests will love, and the addition of Savannah to Spirit’s network offers a great value for a charming getaway,” said Rana Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Spirit Airlines. “Our new service will also provide Savannah travelers with easy access to four cities offering beautiful beaches, vibrant music scenes and big city views.”

“Spirit’s addition of SAV to its route network is a major win for our region. This new service opens up exciting travel opportunities for visitors heading to Southeast Georgia and the coastal areas of Southeast South Carolina,” said Greg Kelly, Executive Director of the Savannah Airport Commission. “For our local community, it means convenient access to four of Spirit’s most popular destinations — bringing more choice, value, and connectivity. We’re confident this marks the beginning of a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.”

The new Savannah service marks Spirit’s third Georgia destination. The airline first launched service at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) 19 years ago and recently announced new service to Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) in Macon, Georgia, will launch Oct. 16, 2025.

Free Spirit® Bonus Points Promotion
Following Spirit’s recent upgrade of its Free Spirit loyalty program, the airline is celebrating the launch of its Savannah service with a Free Spirit loyalty program promotion* where members can earn 1,500 bonus points on roundtrip flights and 750 bonus points on one-way flights to and from Savannah (SAV). Travel between SAV and EWR must be booked by Aug. 21, 2025, and flown by Sept. 21, 2025. Travel between SAV and FLL, SAV and BNA, or SAV and DTW must be booked by Oct. 17, 2025, and flown by Nov. 17, 2025. The Free Spirit® loyalty program is free to join and travelers who sign up will receive 500 additional bonus points.

Spirit’s Transformed Guest Experience
Savannah Guests can enjoy Spirit’s three travel options, which offer a seamless and elevated travel experience at a great value:

• Spirit First provides enhanced comfort with a Big Front Seat®, a carry-on and first checked bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Check-In and Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and streaming access to fast Wi-Fi.
• Premium Economy allows Guests to stretch out with more space in a Premium Seat with extra legroom or a blocked middle seat and includes one carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Boarding and reserved overhead bin space.
• Value maximizes affordability and flexibility with the option for travelers to select only the extras they need. Seat selection, one carry-on bag, checked bags and other options can be purchased separately.

• Airline adding third airport in the Volunteer State, joining Memphis and Nashville

• Southwest also grows routes in San Diego with new terminal opening soon

DALLAS, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is again growing its route map with service at Knoxville, Tennessee’s McGhee Tyson Airport scheduled to begin March 5, 2026. The five daily round-trips to and from Knoxville, along with the airline’s schedule through April 6, 2026, are available for purchase today at Southwest.com^®.

“Thanks to the partnership from Gov. Bill Lee, the State of Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, we’re looking forward to serving Knoxville with our unmatched Customer Service,” said Bob Jordan, CEO, President, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. “We’re celebrating another exciting milestone in our journey to transform Southwest Airlines – giving Customers more reasons to choose Southwest. Plus, we’re affirming our longtime commitment to California with new routes from San Diego’s reimagined Terminal 1.”

Good Ol’ Rocky Top

Southwest Airlines^® is scheduled to introduce twice-daily service between Knoxville and Nashville, as well as daily roundtrip flights between Knoxville and Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando, Florida.

“As a top global travel destination and business hub, Tennessee is the ideal location for Southwest Airlines to expand, and we welcome them to Knoxville,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. “We’re honored that Southwest, a leading American company serving millions of travelers each year, will be expanding its reach in the Volunteer State, and we’re grateful for their continued economic investment.”

Southwest, the Official Airline of the Southeastern Conference, is looking forward to taking sports fans to and from events in Knoxville and connecting Customers to the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.

“The addition of Southwest Airlines to our airport is an historic milestone for our community,” said Howard Vogel, Chairman of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners. “After years of dedicated pursuit, their arrival at McGhee Tyson Airport represents far more than new flights—it’s another gateway to national connectivity and a powerful boost to our region’s tourism industry. Their addition underscores our commitment to expanding opportunities for the people and businesses we serve. Southwest, welcome to Big Orange Country!”

Knoxville joins St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, as the second new destination Southwest^® has announced this summer. By the end of August, the airline intends to announce another destination where the ocean wears two shades of blue and every landing feels like an adventure. More adventures also await at one of Southwest’s homes on the Pacific Coast next year.

Taking Off at the New T1 in San Diego

Southwest is California’s largest carrier in terms of daily departures, available seats, and Customers boarded¹ and is continuing to increase its service in the Golden State with the new Terminal 1 opening next month at San Diego International Airport. Daily, year-round service is set to begin March 5, 2026, between America’s Finest City and Eugene, Oregon; Maui, Hawaii; Portland, Oregon; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Seattle.

Southwest is also growing its Spring Break ski destinations with Saturday service slated for March 7, 2026, connecting San Diego with Bozeman, Montana, and Spokane, Washington. The two new routes complement existing service to popular winter recreation areas near Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boise, Idaho; Denver; Reno, Nevada; and Salt Lake City. 

Networking is Everything

Southwest has strategically designed new and returning routes to give Customers more itinerary options across the vast Southwest network. Beginning March 5, 2026, Southwest is introducing twice-daily service on three routes: Chicago (Midway) and Milwaukee; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; and Little Rock, Arkansas, and Nashville.

Additionally, twice-daily service between Chicago (Midway) and Des Moines, Iowa; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Wichita, Kansas, is set to return March 5, 2026, along with twice-daily round-trips between Dallas and Oklahoma City.

• Air Canada issues lockout notice to mitigate the strike’s customer impact, allow orderly shutdown
• Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights will be gradually suspended over the next 72 hours; Air Canada Express flights are not affected
• Customers whose flights are cancelled will be notified and can obtain a full refund; Customers without confirmed flights should not go to the airport
• Government-directed arbitration sought after CUPE negotiators reject offer that included a 38 per cent compensation increase over four years and Air Canada’s arbitration offer

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada today said that it has issued the statutory 72-hour lockout notice to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge after the union provided notice it intends to begin a strike. To provide customers certainty, Air Canada will begin a phased wind down of most of its operations to be completed over the next three days. The airline has also sought government-directed arbitration to resolve the situation.

Despite eight months of good faith negotiations that included the assistance of federal conciliators, and an offer to enter binding arbitration, Air Canada has been unable to reach a tentative agreement with the union. Air Canada tabled a revised comprehensive proposal to the union on August 11, which sought no concessions in return from its Flight Attendants and provided for a 38 per cent total compensation increase over four years. The offer also addressed the issue of ground pay, improved pensions and benefits, increased crew rest and contained other improvements. In an additional attempt to prevent travel disruption, Air Canada had also offered to CUPE to enter third-party, binding arbitration to settle the outstanding points of discussion. CUPE has responded by issuing a notice to begin a strike as early as August 16.

“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we serve. However, the disappointing conduct of CUPE’s negotiators and the union’s stated intention to launch a strike puts us in a position where our only responsible course of action is to provide certainty by implementing an orderly suspension of Air Canada’s and Air Canada Rouge’s operations through a lockout. As we have seen elsewhere in our industry with other labour disruptions, unplanned or uncontrolled shutdowns, such as we are now at risk of through a strike, can create chaos for travellers that is far, far worse,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada.  

“Our latest offer included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years that would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada, along with provisions for ground pay and other work-life balance, career and pension improvements. At the same time, we asked for no concessions from the union. Given this, while we remain available for discussions with CUPE, we have requested government-directed arbitration as we now view it as the only certain avenue to bring closure to bargaining and mitigate the impact on travellers, business and the Canadian economy.”

Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue to operate as normal. However, these regional partners only carry about 20 per cent of Air Canada’s daily customers. Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge carry approximately 130,000 customers a day who could be affected by a disruption, this includes the 25,000 Canadians that the airline flies home from abroad each day, who could be stranded.

Arbitration

Air Canada proposed to the union on August 11 that the parties retain a third-party, independent arbitrator to assist in addressing outstanding issues to develop a new tentative agreement through binding arbitration, but CUPE rejected this offer. The company has now requested immediate intervention by the Canadian government to use its powers to direct binding interest arbitration under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code before a work stoppage becomes effective. The airline believes recent government interventions in rail, port and airline labour disruptions in Canada provide a proven precedent.  

The Code is designed to encourage industrial peace in cases where parties reach an impasse after meaningful collective bargaining has occurred. In this case, despite the fact that there has been prolonged bargaining with an offer of unprecedented increases to total compensation, there is no prospect for a resolution in the foreseeable future. Moreover, hardships and other repercussions will progressively be felt by Canadians and other stakeholders, as well as by the Canadian economy.

Air Canada has worked hard and in good faith to reach a new collective agreement with CUPE over the last eight months and remains available for further negotiations or to explore options to finalize a new collective agreement. This includes Air Canada’s earlier offer to enter third-party, binding arbitration with the union.

Impact to Operations

Air Canada has been forced into this decision to lock out its Flight Attendants and regrets the impact the suspension of operations will have on customers as a result of the union’s issuance of a strike notice during such a heavy travel period.  

However, as events at other airlines in recent years have shown, sudden or unmanaged work stoppages produce a significantly worse disruption to travel than a planned suspension of flying. A controlled wind down allows Air Canada to advise customers in advance, reduces the chance of customers being stranded, provides the airline and customers the time and opportunity to make alternative travel arrangements, and gives customers more certainty.  

An unplanned shutdown is also a major risk for the company and its other employees. Air Canada operates globally to approximately 65 countries on six continents with a fleet of 259 aircraft. By optimally positioning aircraft and crews ahead of a possible stoppage, Air Canada will be able to provide required routine maintenance and more quickly restore regular service. 

The first flights will be cancelled August 14, with more on August 15, with a complete cessation of flying by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge on August 16.

Information for customers 

Customers whose flights are cancelled will be notified and they will be eligible for a full refund, which can be obtained online at www.aircanada.com or through the Air Canada mobile app. The company has made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to provide customers alternative travel options to the extent possible. Customers will be notified of alternative travel options that are identified for them. However, given other carriers are already very full due to the summer travel peak, securing such capacity will take time and, in many cases, will not be immediately possible.

Air Canada has undertaken other measures to mitigate the impact on customers. This includes implementing a flexible rebooking policy for all customers, so they can change or defer travel at no additional cost. Air Canada will in all cases inform passengers of their rights under applicable rules if their flight is cancelled or delayed and meet its regulatory obligations.   

Air Canada strongly recommends against customers going to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and their flights are showing as operating (check your flight’s status on www.aircanada.com or on our mobile app before going to the airport). Customers are also advised to use self-service tools as contact centre wait times are expected to be highly elevated. 

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), known for its commitment to convenient, nonstop air travel, today announced the addition of Atlantic City, New Jersey to the airline’s growing network. Strengthening their position as a leader in leisure travel, Allegiant will serve four routes that connect popular coastal destinations. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new routes as low as $39.*

This announcement follows two recent route expansions, underscoring the airline’s growth strategy and dedication to offering more travel options to underserved communities. As travelers seek value-driven travel options, Allegiant remains dedicated to making dream vacations possible with budget-friendly fares and excellent customer service.

“We’re thrilled to bring our brand of low-cost, high-value travel to one of New Jersey’s most iconic destinations,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer. “Connecting this vibrant community with several cities across Florida not only strengthens our leisure network, but opens up more affordable and convenient travel options for our customers in both regions. It’s a win for travelers seeking sun and sand, and for those who want to experience the coastal charm of the Eastern Seaboard or stroll along Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk.”

For travelers seeking a dynamic mix of entertainment, culture, and coastal charm, Atlantic City offers it all. Known for its iconic Boardwalk, vibrant nightlife, world-class casinos, and year-round events, Atlantic City is a top-tier destination for those looking to combine excitement with relaxation.

Whether it’s the thrill of a headlining concert, the chance to dine at celebrity-chef restaurants, or simply a getaway to the cool breezes of the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City delivers a unique experience not found anywhere else. With convenient flights and an ever-growing list of attractions, it’s no surprise more travelers from Florida are making the trip north.

The new routes between Atlantic City, New Jersey via Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and the following cities include:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) beginning December 4, 2025 with one-way fares as low as $39.*
• St. Petersburg, Florida via St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) beginning Presidents’ Day weekend with one-way fares as low as $39.*
• Sanford, Florida via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) beginning Presidents’ Day weekend with one-way fares as low as $39.*
• Punta Gorda, Florida via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) beginning Presidents’ Day Weekend with one-way fares as low as $39.*

In addition to unveiling new routes, Allegiant has extended its flight schedule through May 2026, offering travelers the ability to plan vacations and book travel accommodations in advance.

A hallmark of Allegiant’s leisure-focused business model is its network of all-nonstop flights, making air travel more seamless and accessible. Passengers spend less time at the airport and more time enjoying their vacation.

Tickets for all newly announced routes are now available. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at Allegiant.com.