WestJet cancelled a total of 276 flights across Canada by 3 p.m. Mountain Time on August 1, 2026, as part of a coordinated reduction of its flight network ahead of a possible strike by its flight attendants. The cancellations escalated throughout the day from 32 early morning cancellations to 86 by 11 a.m. MT, then 78 more by mid-afternoon. The airline had already cancelled 80 flights on the evening of July 31. These actions follow a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing WestJet flight attendants, with the earliest strike or lockout set to
begin at 12:01 a.m. MT on August 2.
Routes and Airlines Affected
The highest number of cancellations occurred on WestJet’s Calgary to Vancouver route, which saw seven flights cancelled by mid-afternoon August 1. Other heavily affected routes each had three cancellations, including Calgary to Toronto, Vancouver to Calgary, Edmonton to Calgary, Calgary to Victoria, and Toronto to Calgary. Smaller cancellations affected flights between Cancun and Toronto, Calgary and Kelowna, as well as Toronto with Vancouver and Edmonton. WestJet Encore flights operated on Q400 aircraft and WestJet codeshare flights operated by partner airlines are not impacted by the labour disruption. Sunwing Vacations, a WestJet Group
company, reported that most of their flights were operating as scheduled despite some cancellations.
Labour Negotiations and Proposed Agreement
WestJet offered a “transformative, industry-leading” labour agreement to cabin crew that the union rejected. The company stated the proposal addressed union priorities by providing double-digit wage increases, additional compensation before and after flights, and improvements to scheduling and quality of life. The agreement was intended to establish new compensation and work condition benchmarks for Canadian cabin crew while supporting WestJet’s sustainability. Federal mediators have been involved in negotiations since May 2026, but no agreement has yet been reached.
Official Statements from WestJet, Government, and Sunwing
WestJet stated the cancellations were undertaken to protect
its network integrity and minimize the risk of stranding guests and aircraft. The airline explained that the proactive scaling back of operations allows full control over flights and crew communications. Minister Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs, was in Calgary on August 1 supporting ongoing negotiations. She affirmed that the government believes the collective agreement should be reached at the bargaining table, noting federal mediators have assisted since May. Sunwing Vacations urged passengers to monitor their email for flight disruption notifications and options only if their flights are cancelled.
Passenger Impact and Travel Recommendations
Passengers are being notified only if their flights are cancelled as
WestJet continues its planned wind-down of services amid the looming strike deadline. The airline warns that cancellations may increase as the strike earliest start time at 12:01 a.m. MT on August 2 approaches. Travellers with Sunwing bookings should monitor their email for updates. WestJet’s Travel Advisory page offers the latest information on flight statuses and labour negotiations.
Labour Law Context and Potential Government Intervention
The federal government may intervene under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to maintain industrial peace if a strike occurs, as it did during the Air Canada strike in summer 2025. CUPE has urged the government to respect collective bargaining and refrain
from intervening in the dispute. Minister Hajdu reiterated the government’s position favoring negotiated settlements backed by federal mediation efforts.
