6.08.2026

"WestJet Resumes Normal Operations After Strike"

CALGARY — WestJet says it has returned to normal operations as it continues to re-book travellers whose flights were cancelled due to a work stoppage this past weekend

CALGARY – WestJet Airlines has announced a return to normal operations following a work stoppage that disrupted its flight schedule over the weekend. The airline reported that it is currently operating all of its scheduled flights on Wednesday, signaling a recovery from the previous cancellations.

On Tuesday, WestJet expressed gratitude towards its customers for their patience during the process of re-booking affected travellers. According to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, WestJet managed to resume operations without any cancellations on Wednesday, a significant improvement after more than 900 flights had been grounded from Saturday to Tuesday due to the labor dispute.

The disruption began early Sunday morning when approximately 4,400 flight attendants walked off the job. This strike was a direct result of the inability to reach a new contract agreement between WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 prior to the strike mandate taking effect.

Fortunately for passengers and the airline, WestJet and CUPE Local 8125 successfully reached a tentative deal early Monday morning, which facilitated the resumption of full operations. The resolution of the contract dispute was welcomed by both the airline and its customers, allowing for a swift recovery of services.

In light of the disruptions, WestJet announced an extension to its policy for affected customers, allowing them to make one-time changes to their itineraries or cancel their flights without incurring any fees until Thursday. This extension aims to provide flexibility and ease the burden on travellers who faced uncertainty during the strike period.

As operations normalize, WestJet is focused on ensuring a smooth travel experience for its customers and alleviating any lingering concerns related to the strike. The company is committed to supporting its employees and maintaining reliable service for its passengers moving forward.