WestJet has cancelled 309 flights across Canada as of August 2, 2026, in anticipation of a possible strike by its flight attendants scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, August 2. The Calgary-based airline began issuing cancellations on July 31 as part of an organized reduction of its flight network.
Key routes impacted include Calgary (YYC) to Vancouver (YVR) with seven cancellations and multiple cancellations on other major domestic routes. There are three cancellations each on Calgary–Toronto, Vancouver–Calgary, Edmonton–Calgary, Calgary–Victoria, and Toronto–Calgary. Smaller cancellation numbers, two each, affect flights between Cancun and Toronto, Toronto and Vancouver, Toronto
and Edmonton, and Calgary and Kelowna.
Labour Dispute and Government Mediation
The cancellations follow a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on July 30, 2026. CUPE represents approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants. The union rejected WestJet’s proposal for a comprehensive agreement that included double-digit wage increases, additional pre- and post-flight compensation, and scheduling improvements. WestJet described its offer as “transformative” and “industry-leading.”
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu is engaged in efforts to help the parties reach a settlement at the bargaining table with federal mediator support since May. The government holds the authority to invoke Section 107 of the Canada
Labour Code to maintain industrial peace if a strike occurs.
Travel Advisories and Passenger Options
WestJet has allowed passengers travelling between July 30 and August 4, 2026, to make a one-time change or cancel flights without fees. Only passengers whose flights have been cancelled receive official disruption notifications. The airline urges affected travellers to monitor emails for updates and check the company’s Travel Advisory page.
Sunwing Vacations, part of WestJet Group, reported limited impact from cancellations, with most Sunwing flights operating as scheduled. WestJet Encore flights on Q400 aircraft and codeshare flights operated by partners remain unaffected by these labour actions.
Official Statements on the Labour Situation
WestJet said that cancellations
are necessary to preserve network integrity and reduce the risk of stranding guests and aircraft. The airline emphasized its commitment to reaching an agreement that respects the professionalism and contributions of its cabin crew.
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, stated, “We have made some progress, and the issues remaining need to be resolved at the table. We are hopeful that we can still avoid a strike and remain committed to resolving this there.”
Minister Patty Hajdu said, “Both parties are working hard to renew their collective agreement. Our government has always maintained that the best deals are reached at
the bargaining table. With federal mediators supporting negotiations since May, the parties can and should reach a deal. Canadians are counting on it.”
