WestJet cancelled more than 300 flights on August 4 and continued cancellations on August 5, 2026, after cabin crew began strike action on August 2, 2026. The disruptions affected domestic Canadian routes and international flights, including operations involving New Brunswick and Europe.
Tentative Deal Leads to Recovery Phase
On Monday morning, WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants, reached a tentative agreement to end the strike. Following this, WestJet stated it is entering a ‘recovery phase’ but cautioned that full restoration of its flight network will take several days. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Passenger Rebooking Challenges and Expenses
Many passengers have faced
significant difficulty rebooking flights, with long wait times for customer service. Marsha Manuel, a traveler stranded in Lisbon after her WestJet flight was cancelled, reported a five-hour wait to speak with a rebooking agent. Manuel and her husband extended their hotel stay, stating: “We booked the hotel that we’re at for another two nights because we have no idea when we’re going to be home.” Attempts to book alternate flights through Air Canada were cost-prohibitive, with one quote exceeding $6,000 for travel the following Thursday. Manuel noted the strike was over pay from clock-in to clock-out but expressed concern over
the disruption caused.
Stranded Scout Groups in Copenhagen
Two groups of Scouts Canada members traveling without parents remain stranded in Copenhagen. Ryan O’Keefe, leading 13 scouts aged 12 to 16, highlighted logistical challenges in supervising minors during rebooking delays and confirmed WestJet agreed to cover hotel expenses estimated at nearly $3,000 daily. O’Keefe described the struggles with children having to navigate city connections alone amid limited airline communication. Another group of 19 scouts from Rothesay had flights rebooked with complex routing through multiple countries to facilitate their return. Both groups fundraised large sums for their trip, with O’Keefe emphasizing the importance of a positive travel
experience despite ongoing disruptions.
Airport Impact and Official Advisories
Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport reported minor disruptions, including flight cancellations to Calgary on August 2 and 3, but on-time departures to Edmonton and Calgary resumed by August 4, according to spokesperson Lauren Guitard. Fredericton International Airport also experienced cancellations; however, its website indicated WestJet flights were on time as of August 4.
WestJet advised passengers with upcoming travel to verify flight status before proceeding to the airport and noted cancellations would be followed by rebooking on the next available flight where possible. The airline also advised that refunds are available through its website if
travelers choose not to proceed with their trips.
