WestJet Cancels Over 150 Flights Due to AMFA Strike

Starting Saturday, June 29, WestJet Airlines will cancel over 150 flights, affecting approximately 20,000 passengers due to a strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). This significant disruption comes amidst the busy travel weekend, with limited options for reaccommodation available to the affected travelers.

WestJet is urgently seeking intervention from the Minister of Labour and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to minimize the impact. The airline had planned to serve over 250,000 passengers throughout the long weekend.

"The strike is detrimental to everyone involved, and the negotiation has already been referred to binding arbitration," stated Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. "We understand the distress this causes our guests and staff, but we must prioritize the immediate and safe parking of our aircraft."

The airline's proactive measures include parking aircraft at various stations across Canada and operating a significantly reduced schedule by the end of the day on Saturday. This move aims to mitigate further disruptions while the strike continues.

On Thursday and Friday, June 27 and 28, around 25 flights were canceled, impacting about 3,300 passengers. The substantial increase in cancellations on Saturday underscores the urgent need for intervention to prevent further chaos. WestJet emphasizes that without immediate action, tens of thousands of Canadians and the broader economic ecosystem reliant on air service will suffer.

Passengers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport and visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page for the latest information on flight status and travel changes. The airline continues to explore all avenues to resolve the issue and restore normal operations as swiftly as possible.