WestJet announced the cancellation of 198 flights across Canada as of midday on August 1, 2026, in preparation for a possible labour stoppage by flight attendants starting August 2. The airline has implemented flexible change and cancellation policies for all bookings through August 4, 2026.
Canadian Regulations on Labour Disruptions
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has classified labour disruptions as events outside the airline’s control under the Airline Passenger Protection Regulations. As a result, passengers affected by the strike are not eligible for cash compensation for delays or cancellations caused by the work stoppage.
The CTA assesses airline responsibility based on the provider’s level of
control over disruptions. Routine maintenance and staffing decisions fall within that control, but unforeseen labour disputes do not.
Passenger Rights and Travel Advice
Passengers holding WestJet tickets are advised to monitor the airline’s Travel Advisory page for updates due to the potential for ongoing flight changes starting August 2. The airline’s policy grants travelers flexible options to change or cancel flights without penalty for trips scheduled through August 4.
Disrupted travel plans may impact flights within Canada, where WestJet operates under the jurisdiction of Canadian transportation laws.
Rebooking and Refund Obligations
Under Canadian rules, WestJet must attempt to rebook affected passengers on the next available flight within 48 hours
of their original departure time. This rebooking can be either on WestJet or on a partner airline that has a commercial cooperation agreement.
If no rebooking within 48 hours is feasible, passengers may request a full refund or ask that the airline make alternative travel arrangements. Passengers opting not to travel at all are entitled to a complete refund. If a passenger cancels mid-trip, WestJet is obligated to fly them back to their origin at no additional cost.
