WestJet grounded 76 flights on August 1, 2026, due to a potential flight attendant strike with the strike deadline set just after midnight Sunday in Calgary, where the airline is headquartered. The airline initiated flight cancellations early to avoid stranding crew and passengers if a work stoppage occurs.
Flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), numbering 4,400, issued a 72-hour strike notice that expires Sunday just after midnight in Calgary. WestJet responded with a lockout notice on the same timeline amid unresolved contract negotiations focused on compensation for work done on the ground.
WestJet operates more
than 600 flights daily, carrying over 70,000 passengers on peak days. The grounding affects scheduled WestJet flights only; WestJet Encore flights operated with Bombardier Q400 aircraft, as well as codeshare flights by partner airlines, continue without interruption.
Travelers flying between July 30 and August 4, 2026, are eligible for one-time flight changes or cancellations without fees. Those whose flights are canceled due to the strike or lockout qualify for refunds, signaling WestJet’s effort to provide flexibility amid uncertainty.
A WestJet spokesperson said, “At this time, negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and as a labour disruption approaches, WestJet must
begin the difficult process of parking 737 aircraft.” The spokesperson added, “We remain active at the bargaining table to achieve a mutually agreeable deal at the earliest possible time.” CUPE local president Alia Hussain stated, “We have made some progress, and the issues remaining need to be resolved at the table. We are hopeful that we can still avoid a strike and remain committed to resolving this there.”
Passengers expressed concern about the travel disruption. Gord Garwood, scheduled to fly to Vancouver and back to Toronto, said, “Maybe it’ll get cancelled, maybe not. Fingers crossed.” Another passenger, Callie Adams, waiting
to fly to Mexico, said, “If we don’t make it, then my work will be hearing from me on Monday morning.” Corey Vahrmeyer, planning a trip to Vancouver, noted, “Flying lately, in general, has become a little bit more chaotic… this time it’s a strike.”
The strike deadline falls over the August long weekend, a peak travel period in Canada. Industry experts estimate a shutdown could cost WestJet millions of dollars in lost revenue amid the busiest time of the summer travel season. The compensation dispute echoes a similar work stoppage by Air Canada flight attendants less than a year
ago, which resulted in government-mandated binding arbitration via the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
Toronto Pearson International Airport confirmed awareness of the 72-hour strike and lockout notices and urged travelers to verify flight status before departure. Passengers affected by cancellations are eligible for refunds or may reschedule with no additional fee through August 4, 2026.
