WestJet cancelled over 300 flights on Monday, August 4, 2026, accounting for about 62% of its scheduled departures as it responded to a one-day flight attendant strike. The airline continued to face disruptions on Tuesday, August 5, with 16 flights cancelled as of 11 a.m. Eastern time while entering a recovery phase.
Passengers like Marsha Manuel, whose flight from Portugal to Miramichi, New Brunswick, was cancelled, have experienced delays in rebooking and limited customer support. Manuel reported receiving an initial cancellation email with no subsequent rebooking within the promised two hours and struggled to reach WestJet agents by phone. She
also noted the absence of hotel or meal accommodations during the wait.
Union Confirms Return to Work and Tentative Agreement
The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125, representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, confirmed the strike ended with a tentative agreement and stated flight attendants have resumed work. The union’s statement on Monday affirmed that the strike helped reach a resolution, allowing operations to restart.
WestJet issued statements acknowledging the ongoing impact of the labour disruption and stressed that flights have resumed while urging guests to check their flight status before travelling. The airline declined to specify how long post-strike disruptions will persist but said it is actively
restoring its network and repositioning aircraft and crews.
Flexible Cancellation Policy and Passenger Rights Under Canadian Law
WestJet extended a flexible cancellation policy to cover flights through August 6, 2026, allowing one-time, no-cost changes or cancellations if made at least two hours before scheduled departure. Passengers whose flights were disrupted can also cancel at any time without fees.
Under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations, WestJet must provide timely information and alternative arrangements to passengers facing cancellations or delays exceeding three hours due to the strike. The airline is required to offer accommodations, meal vouchers, and alternative travel options within 48 hours, including booking seats on competing airlines if
necessary.
Passengers who independently cancel and rebook their flights may lose these protections, according to aviation expert John Gradek of McGill University. He advises waiting for WestJet’s rebooking notices and keeping all related receipts.
Expert Analysis of the Recovery Timeline
Gradek explained that restarting airline operations after a labour strike involves complex repositioning of aircraft and crews, which takes several days. He estimated that WestJet’s network may return to near normal by Friday or Saturday following the strike, with full backlog clearance requiring up to 10 days.
The peak summer travel period worsens the situation as remaining flights are largely full, offering little spare capacity to
accommodate displaced passengers. WestJet stored an unspecified number of Boeing 737 aircraft before the strike and must deploy both aircraft and crew to restore scheduled routes.
Ongoing Flight Disruptions and Airline Recommendations
Despite ending the strike, WestJet continues to cancel and delay flights across both domestic and international routes within Canada. The airline recommends guests verify their flight status frequently before departing for the airport to avoid unexpected cancellations or schedule changes.
WestJet remains responsible under government regulations to refund or reaccommodate passengers impacted by the strike. The airline has temporarily suspended phone support for rebooking due to high call volumes but continues working to address
passenger needs.
