WestJet cancelled more than 300 flights on Monday, equating to approximately 62 percent of its scheduled departures, following a strike by its flight attendants. As of around 11 a.m. ET Tuesday, 16 additional WestJet flights scheduled for the day were also cancelled. The walkout began early Sunday morning, August 2, 2026, after contract negotiations between WestJet and the flight attendants’ union CUPE Local 8125 failed to reach an agreement before the strike deadline. A tentative deal was reached in the early hours of Monday morning.
WestJet, which grounded flights across much of Canada at the start of the strike, is
now working to restore its network as it enters a recovery phase. The airline continues to reposition aircraft and crews and expects a gradual return to normal operations. Contract talks had been ongoing in Calgary since January 2026, focusing on wage increases and disputes over unpaid ground work claimed by the cabin crew. Flight attendants represented by CUPE Local 8125, numbering about 4,400, have 30 days to ratify the tentative agreement.
Passengers traveling on WestJet between July 30 and Tuesday were permitted a one-time change or cancellation without any fees. Under passenger protection regulations, WestJet is responsible for refunding or
re-accommodating passengers affected by cancellations and delays and must arrange alternative transportation on competing airlines when necessary. The airline advised travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport due to ongoing disruptions.
WestJet spokesperson Ashley Tymko stated, “WestJet is resuming operations and entering the recovery phase following a labour disruption. 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.” CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain confirmed at a
Calgary news conference that “flight attendants have 30 days to ratify the agreement,” which includes pay raises not yet detailed to union members.
