Air Canada disruptions have already begun ahead of strike notice deadline [Video]

The clock is ticking for Air Canada and its pilots to reach an agreement in their labour dispute ahead of a looming shutdown that could upend air travel for thousands of passengers.

Some disruptions have already begun as a midnight deadline is fast approaching for the national carrier and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents 5,200 Air Canada pilots.

Both sides remain far apart on negotiations and if a settlement is not reached by 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, either Air Canada or the ALPA could issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice.

Air Canada told Global News on Saturday that it remains “engaged with the union to reach a new collective agreement.”

However, in preparation for a shutdown, the airline has started to curtail its services.

“We have begun taking some measures, including limiting certain types of cargo shipments, such as perishables, and adjusting some aircraft flying schedules to have them positioned properly in …