Summer travel could look different as WestJet announces major changes

Canadians planning getaways may need to be a little flexible as WestJet has announced changes that could affect flights this summer.

On Monday, WestJet said that future changes are currently in the works in an update to its fuel shortage response. The airline said it’s implementing “near-term measures” as a result of ongoing fuel supply chain challenges tied to strained access in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The airline has not made schedule changes due to recent news of fuel availability at this time; however, it is evaluating its summer schedule and may adjust flying to balance fuel supply,” reads the statement.

The Calgary-based airline said it’s in constant contact with fuel suppliers as it monitors the global fuel situation.

So how could these changes impact Canadians’ summer travel plans?

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The airline said that in order to manage associated fuel costs, it’s adjusting “some flying to align with demand.”

“This includes consolidating flights on lower-demand routes and adjusting the travel period for seasonal offerings,” it stated.

This has resulted in a one per cent reduction in capacity in April. The airline has also reduced capacity by three per cent in May, and another five and a half per cent in June.

In an email to Daily Hive, WestJet said that most of these changes will affect domestic routes, with very little impact on flights to the United States and sun destinations.

“There have been no impacts to our transatlantic and transpacific flying at this time,” reads the statement. “Guests impacted by these changes are provided with reaccommodation options, most within the same day as their original departure.”