WestJet indefinitely suspending flights to Atlantic Canada, laying off staff

WestJet says it will suspend flights to Moncton, Fredericton, Sydney and Charlottetown indefinitely as of November 2.

The airline will also be significantly reducing flights to Halifax and St. John’s. 

Additionally, operations between Toronto and Quebéc City will also be suspended.

“We understand this news will be devastating to the communities, our airport partners and the WestJetters who rely on our service,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO.

“While we remain committed to the Atlantic region, it’s impossible to say when there will be a return to service without support for a coordinated domestic approach. Our intent is to return as soon as it becomes economically viable to do so.”

The airline also said it will be laying off 100 corporate and operational support employees, as prospects for any recovery continue to fade and customer demand remains weak across its operations.

Before this announcement, WestJet was the only Canadian airline that maintained 100% of its pre-COVID domestic network.