WestJet announces significant flight reductions in wake of ongoing AMFA strike

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WestJet today announced more flight cancellations as the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) strike enters its third day. Since announcing the strike just days before the Canada Day long weekend, the airline has canceled another 410 flights overnight, bringing the total to over 800.

“Missed vacations, stranded business travellers and long weekend family gatherings were disrupted by AMFA’s strike, and we sincerely regret the tens of thousands of Canadians who have felt the impact of this unnecessary work stoppage. I am encouraged by the willingness of our employees to rise above the adversity and ensure safe and controlled operations going forward.” says Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “We continue to believe that the current strike serves no purpose other than to cause maximum harm to our airline and the country. WestJet has received a binding arbitration award and is urgently awaiting clarification from the government that a strike and arbitration cannot occur simultaneously. This is an issue they have promised to address and, like all Canadians, we are waiting.”

As a result of the ongoing disruptions, WestJet is parking additional aircraft and reducing its operational fleet to approximately 32 active aircraft. For the duration of the industrial action, the airline will continue to operate a reduced schedule with the remaining fleet.

Total cancellations by day (as of June 30, 12:00 MT):

• Thursday, June 27, 2024: 18
• Friday, June 28, 2024: 25
• Saturday, June 29, 2024: 284
• Sunday, June 30, 2024: 424
• Monday, July 1, 2024: 78
• Tuesday, July 2, 2024: 3

Total number of cancelled flights: 832

Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. For more information on flight status and travel changes, please visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page.