Those with travel plans via Air Canada could be left in the lurch beginning this weekend.

The airline will start suspending flights in a three-day wind-down period beginning on Sunday if a deal is not reached with its pilots.

Over 5,200 pilots with Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge can officially issue a strike notice with the possibility that members could be on the picket lines by Wednesday, September 18.

In a statement released this morning, the company says negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association are nearing an impasse.

Tens of thousands of passengers are expected to be impacted should a strike notice be issued. Those with bookings from September 15 – 23 can choose to rebook their flights at no additional cost. The policy will be expanded depending on the status of the dispute.

Air Canada also plans to work with other airlines to pick up the slack in the event of major cancellations. Customers will be notified of any changes.

PAL Airlines, which operates some regional routes on Air Canada’s behalf, is not included in the labour dispute.