WestJet has canceled 276 flights across its network as of 3 p.m. Mountain Time on August 1, 2026, in preparation for a potential strike by its flight attendants that could begin on August 2 at 12:01 a.m. MT. The airline initiated this organized reduction in service starting July 31 to maintain control over operations and reduce the risk of passenger and crew stranding.
Key affected domestic routes see multiple cancellations
The route between Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR) had the highest number of cancellations with seven flights canceled. Routes including Calgary–Toronto, Vancouver–Calgary, Edmonton–Calgary, Calgary–Victoria, and Toronto–Calgary each had three cancellations. Additionally, there were two cancellations each on
the routes Cancun–Toronto, Toronto–Vancouver, Toronto–Edmonton, and Calgary–Kelowna.
Labour dispute and strike notice by CUPE
The cancellations follow a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on July 30, 2026. CUPE, representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, has called for a strike effective Sunday, August 2. Negotiations between WestJet and CUPE have not reached a tentative agreement despite WestJet’s proposal, which included double-digit pay increases and scheduling improvements for cabin crew.
Positions of airline, union, and government
WestJet stated the cancellations protect its operational integrity and minimize the risk of stranded passengers and aircraft, emphasizing that the airline remains committed to reaching a negotiated agreement. CUPE has urged the federal
government not to intervene in the labour dispute and to respect the collective bargaining process. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, present in Calgary with both parties, said federal mediators have supported negotiations since May and that both sides “can and should reach a deal.”
Passenger impact and guidance
Passengers traveling on WestJet flights between July 30 and August 4, 2026, can make one-time fee-free changes or cancellations. Affected passengers receive flight cancellation notifications by email. Sunwing Vacations, part of the WestJet Group, reported a limited impact on their operations, with most Sunwing flights continuing as scheduled. Travelers are advised to monitor their email for notifications
from Sunwing Vacations regarding disruptions.
Flights excluded from cancellation
WestJet Encore flights operated on Q400 aircraft and WestJet codeshare flights operated by partner airlines are not affected by the cancellations related to the strike threat.
