WestJet announced today it is indefinitely suspending operations to four airports in Atlantic Canada.
Those affected are Moncton, Fredericton, Sydney, N.S., and Charlottetown, P.E.I.
It will also significantly reduce service to Halifax and St. John’s, Nfld.
This will mean the elimination of more than 100 flights weekly effective November 2nd.
This will also mean the airline will be impacted by further layoffs. There is no word yet on how many people are affected.
President and CEO Ed Sims says it has become unviable to serve these markets due to COVID-19.
Sims adds, “We understand this is devastating news to the communities, our airport partners and the WestJetters who rely on our airline, but these suspensions were unavoidable without the prioritization of rapid-testing or support for the introduction of a safe Canadian bubble. We remain committed to the Atlantic region and it is our intent to resume operations as soon as it becomes economically viable to do so.”
Temporary Route Suspensions:
|
Route |
Planned 2020 (Pre-COVID) |
Current |
Frequency Effective Nov. 2, |
|
Halifax – Sydney |
1x daily |
2x weekly |
Suspended |
|
Halifax – Ottawa |
1x daily |
2x weekly |
Suspended |
|
Moncton – Toronto |
3x daily |
4x weekly |
Suspended |
|
Fredericton – Toronto |
13x weekly |
4x weekly |
Suspended |
|
Charlottetown – Toronto |
3x weekly |
2x weekly |
Suspended |
|
St. John’s – Toronto |
1x daily |
5x weekly |
Suspended |
Planned service in Atlantic Canada as of Nov. 2, 2020:
|
Route |
Frequency Effective Nov. 2, 2020 |
|
Halifax – Toronto |
2x daily |
|
Halifax – Calgary |
9x weekly |
|
Halifax – St. John’s |
11x weekly |
