WestJet has cancelled 81 flights scheduled for August 2, 2026, ahead of a possible strike by its 4,400 unionized flight attendants. The Canadian Union of Public Employees issued a 72-hour strike notice that ends just after midnight Sunday in Calgary, the airline’s headquarters.
WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees represent ongoing contract negotiations involving the airline’s flight attendants. In response to the union’s strike notice, WestJet issued a lockout notice on the same 72-hour timeline. The cancellations aim to prevent flight attendants and passengers from being stranded if a strike occurs.
Passenger activity at Toronto Pearson International Airport
remained high on August 1 despite the cancellations. Some travellers, including Alyesha Singh and Carlo de Leon who are heading to the Dominican Republic, expressed anxiety about potential disruptions to their journeys. Singh, travelling to a family reunion, said, “We just hope everything comes a conclusion before we get back.”
WestJet has advised passengers to verify the status of their flights prior to going to airports amid the ongoing labour dispute. The airline reiterated that cancellations are intended to avoid stranded passengers and crew. WestJet continues discussions with the Canadian Union of Public Employees to reach a new contract agreement
ahead of the strike deadline early August 2.
