WestJet has joined other carriers that will not be resuming flights to sun destinations on 01MAY, as was expected after the federal government's restrictions expire at the end of APR.
The Calgary-based carrier announced Tuesday it has extended its temporary suspension of international sun flights to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean until at least 04JUN. The current suspension on sun flights from Canada, an agreement between Canada’s carriers and the federal government, is due to expire on 30APR.
"We are extending our suspension with the clear expectation that as more Canadians are vaccinated, government policy will transition," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO.
"We continue to advocate for the replacement of mandatory hotel quarantines with a testing regime that is equitable and consistent with global standards at all points of entry into our country. Alongside an accelerated and successful vaccine rollout, this policy transition will support the safe restart of travel and help stimulate the Canadian economy, where one in ten jobs are tourism related."
Guests with affected itineraries will be proactively notified of the cancellations, WestJet said in a media release. Since 01NOV, 2020, WestJet has provided refunds for all travellers, regardless of fare class booked where WestJet initiated the cancellation.
"We remain focused on a long-term solution that will serve the best interests of Canadians," continued Sims. "A safe travel-restart framework is the most effective way to support those interests and restore jobs."
Sunwing announced on 01APR it would suspend all southbound flights through 23JUN. Transat announced a mid-JUN restart in its Q1 earnings report. Air Canada on Wednesday announced it is suspending flights through the month of May.
