Following the hailstorm that targeted Calgary on the evening of August 5, 2024, WestJet announced today it will continue issuing proactive cancellations for the foreseeable future, as the airline works diligently to safely return all 16 impacted aircraft to service. A comprehensive assessment of the damage determined that sourcing specialized equipment and materials and completing repairs and inspections will take several weeks.

“We share in Canadians’ frustration for the unpredictable nature of this summer travel season and are incredibly disappointed that the compounding impacts of last week’s hailstorm continue to disrupt the travel plans of our valued guests,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Chief Operating Officer, WestJet Group. “Our dedicated Tech Ops teams have travelled from across our network to Calgary and Toronto where they are working around the clock to return our fleet to its full capacity. We thank everyone for their patience and support and are committed to doing everything in our power to minimize the impact on our guests and our people.”

Through the proactive issuance of cancellations across the month of August, WestJet will aim to minimize disruption, secure reaccommodation options for those impacted wherever possible, while providing guests with timely communication and options to appropriately manage their own travel in advance. WestJet is currently cancelling an average of 50 flights per day, however anticipates fewer cancellations will be required as aircraft are returned to service in a phased approach.

— Gandeephan Ganeshalingam, WestJet, Vice-President Tech Ops and Diederik Pen, President, WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer provide a comprehensive update on fleet repair.

To minimize guest impact wherever possible, WestJet is actively pursuing every avenue including adding additional flights operated by WestJet Encore and partner, Canadian North, to help reduce cancellations. Additionally, WestJet has engaged Boeing and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the certified union representing WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, to secure additional resourcing and expedite aircraft repairs.

Contact Centre wait times and self-serve options 

WestJet is currently experiencing very high volumes for phone, email and social media support channels and guest support teams are working diligently to assist as quickly as possible. Robust improvements have been made across digital touchpoints of the travel journey, enabling more self-serve options for guests.