Chances of disruption increasing as Air Canada pilot talks near deadline

TORONTO — Air Canada says some operations will start to be affected today as time is running out before a potential shutdown because of a labour dispute with its pilots

The airline on Thursday called for the government to be ready to intervene to avoid major disruptions a shutdown would cause for its more than 110,000 travellers a day.

It says some services like cargo and vacation packages will start to be affected today, while a full shutdown could happen on Sept. 18.

The airline and pilots will be in a position starting Sunday to issue 72-hour notice of a strike or lockout. The airline has said the notice would trigger its three-day wind-down plan and start the clock on a full work stoppage.