WestJet continues to ramp up after a Canada Day weekend strike that left more than 100,000 travellers stranded nationwide and worldwide. While stories of disgruntled passengers continue to pour in, WestJet issued the following update on its plans.
Status of operations – as of 02JUL, 2024
Since Sunday, 30JUN at 10:30 p.m., WestJet has taken significant strides to resume normal operations. As of today, 125 of WestJet's 180 fleet are now active across the airline’s network.
Total cancellation summary as of 02JUL, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. MT
| Scheduled date of departure | Total cancellations |
| Thursday, June 27, 2024 | 18 |
| Friday, June 28, 2024 | 25 |
| Saturday, June 29, 2024 | 284 |
| Sunday, June 30, 2024 | 432 |
| Monday, July 1 | 295 |
| Tuesday, July 2 | 75 |
| Wednesday, July 3 | 8 |
| Total flights cancelled: | 1137 |
Guest impact
- More than 100,000 guests impacted
Due to the labour strike and related mass disruption to WestJet’s operation beginning Friday, June 28, teams across WestJet are working diligently to support all impacted guests as we rebuild to normal operations. Unfortunately, as July long weekend is a peak travel period across Canada, limited availability exists both within our network and through alternative carriers, making options for reaccommodation extremely challenging.
In compliance with the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), in the event reaccommodation with WestJet or an alternative airline isn’t available within 48 hours of a guest's scheduled departure, guests are entitled to request a refund to their original form of payment.
For more information regarding the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), guests are encouraged to visit the Canadian Transportation Agency’s website.
According to a CTV Calgary report, while most travellers could receive refunds from WestJet, those with related costs tied to hotel or other flights — that they missed or that they made while stuck abroad — might not get that money back without coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, said Marty Firestone, president of insurance firm Travel Secure Inc. Disputes over refunds are expected to rise in the coming days.
Guests with imminent travel plans are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. Please visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status, travel changes and more.
