Air Canada initiated flight cancellations Thursday due to a potential strike by 10,000 flight attendants. A 72-hour strike notice from the union prompted a lockout by the airline, leading to a complete shutdown by Saturday. Around 130,000 daily travelers will be affected, with 25,000 Canadians potentially stranded abroad. Air Canada offered a 38% compensation increase, but the union cites 'poverty wages' and unpaid work as key issues. The airline may seek government intervention if negotiations fail.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.