WestJet cancelled 276 flights across Canada on August 2, 2026, as the airline prepared for a potential strike by its flight attendants. The cancellations were part of an organized shutdown of WestJet’s flight network ahead of the earliest strike deadline at 12:01 a.m. MT on August 2, following a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
Flight Cancellations and Route Impact
The cancellations primarily affected key domestic routes, including seven flights between Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR), three flights each from Calgary to Toronto, Vancouver to Calgary, Edmonton to Calgary, Calgary to Victoria, and Toronto to Calgary. By 11 p.m.
MT on August 1, 2026, total flight cancellations had escalated to 309. The staggered announcements during August 1 totaled 80 cancellations by Friday evening, followed by 32 by 9 a.m., 86 by 11 a.m., 78 in the afternoon, and an additional 33 by late evening.
Labour Dispute and Strike Notice
This flight disruption stems from a labour dispute between WestJet and CUPE, the union representing the airline’s flight attendants. CUPE issued a 72-hour strike notice, taking effect at the earliest on August 2, 2026. Negotiations have stalled despite ongoing federal mediation efforts since May 2026. The strike or a lockout could begin at 12:01 a.m.
MT (2:01 a.m. ET) on August 2 if no agreement is reached.
WestJet’s Contract Offer and Union Response
WestJet proposed a collective agreement it described as “transformative” and “industry-leading,” which included double-digit wage increases, additional compensation for all worked hours, and improvements in scheduling and quality of life for cabin crew. The offer would have introduced an hourly pay model covering all work and set a new benchmark for compensation in Canada. CUPE has rejected the proposal, arguing it did not meet their key priorities.
Statements and Passenger Guidance
WestJet said the cancellations were issued to maintain the integrity of its network and minimize the risk of stranding guests and
aircraft. The airline stated, “These actions ensure the airline has complete control of its operations and can communicate with guests and crew to minimize people being stranded.” Sunwing Vacations, part of the WestJet Group, confirmed most of its flights are operating normally and will notify customers only if their flights are cancelled.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu visited Calgary, urging both sides to reach a deal. Hajdu emphasized, “Both parties are working hard to renew their collective agreement… With federal mediators supporting negotiations since May, the parties can and should reach a deal. Canadians are counting on it.” WestJet Encore’s
Q400 flights and codeshare flights operated by partner airlines are not affected by the labour dispute.
Potential Government Intervention
The federal government holds the authority under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to intervene and maintain industrial peace if the labour dispute escalates. This provision was invoked last summer during the Air Canada flight attendant strike, where binding arbitration was imposed by the Canada Industrial Relations Board under ministerial direction. CUPE has requested that the government allow collective bargaining to proceed without intervention.
Passengers impacted by cancellations are advised to monitor their emails for notifications. WestJet maintains a Travel Advisory page with
updates on flight status and labour negotiations.
