WestJet’s one-day flight attendant strike recently ended after a tentative agreement was reached with the union CUPE 8125, but disruptions continue. More than 300 flights, representing approximately 62% of those scheduled, were cancelled on Monday, August 3, 2026. As of 11 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, August 4, at least 16 flights remained cancelled.
Ongoing Flight Disruptions and Cancellations
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows WestJet flights continue to face cancellations days after the strike ended. The airline relocated an unknown number of its Boeing 737 aircraft into storage ahead of the strike action. WestJet is now working through a recovery phase, gradually restoring
its network amid lingering operational challenges.
The airline serves multiple routes between Canada and the United States, as well as international services including flights connecting Portugal and airports throughout Canada. Despite the strike’s end, WestJet has not specified how long the impacts on scheduling and delays will persist.
Passenger Experiences Highlight Service Delays
Canadian traveler Marsha Manuel reported her flight from Portugal to Miramichi, New Brunswick, was cancelled with limited assistance. She described receiving a cancellation email early Monday but no timely rebooking within the promised two hours. Efforts to reach WestJet customer service resulted in recorded messages stating agents were busy rebooking passengers. Manuel
explained she and her husband had yet to receive accommodations or meal vouchers nearly 24 hours after the cancellation.
WestJet’s Response and Flexible Policies
WestJet confirmed it is resuming operations and working to restore normal schedules. A spokesperson stated, “Flights have begun to operate; however, the impacts of the disruption continue as the airline works to restore its network. Guests are encouraged to continue checking the status of their flights before heading to the airport.”
To provide passenger relief, WestJet extended its flexible cancellation and change policy to cover flights up to and including August 6, 2026. Eligible customers may make a one-time change or
cancellation without fees if completed at least two hours before the original departure. Additionally, passengers whose flights were disrupted may cancel at any time without penalty.
Passenger Rights Under Canadian Law
Under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), administered by the Canadian Transportation Agency, passengers affected by cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by the strike are entitled to alternative travel arrangements and compensation where applicable. Airlines must offer these arrangements within 48 hours of the original departure time, which can include rebooking on competitors or using nearby airports.
WestJet acknowledged that impacted guests will be refunded or reaccommodated as applicable.
Industry expert John Gradek from McGill University cautioned passengers against canceling and rebooking on their own as it could forfeit APPR protections. He advised waiting for WestJet’s official rebooking notices and keeping receipts for compensation claims.
Recovery Outlook and Peak Season Challenges
Gradek explained the airline’s recovery will take time due to the need to reposition aircraft and crews across Canada and internationally. He estimated that normal network operations may resume by Friday or Saturday, August 7 or 8, 2026, with backlog clearance taking between one week and ten days.
The ongoing peak summer travel season complicates recovery, as many flights are fully booked, limiting the
airline’s ability to reaccommodate displaced passengers. In total, more than 300,000 travelers have been affected by initial cancellations and ongoing delays resulting from the strike and its aftermath, according to expert estimates.
Traveler Advisory
WestJet strongly recommends that passengers monitor flight status frequently before their trips. Passengers impacted by cancellations or delays are entitled to timely information, meals, accommodations, and compensation under APPR. However, self-modifying bookings may lead to loss of these protections.
WestJet’s extended policy offers flexible options to travelers scheduled to fly through early August, helping mitigate further disruptions amid the recovery phase following the strike.
