WestJet cancels 20 per cent of February flights as Omicron variant's spread creates staffing shortage
WestJet has made significant cuts to its February flight schedule in response to staffing shortages and pandemic-related barriers on air travel.
The Calgary-based airline says the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has led to a staffing shortage and 20 per cent of its February flights have been "consolidated."
"As we continue to navigate the unpredictability of the Omicron variant on our staffing levels along with the ongoing barriers to international travel, we are making every effort to proactively manage our schedule in order to minimize disruption to our guests’ travel plans," said Harry Taylor, interim president and CEO of WestJet Group, in a statement. "To our guests impacted by these additional consolidations, we sincerely apologize for the disruption and appreciate your continued understanding and patience."
WestJet says passengers affected by the flight schedule change will be notified of their new itinerary in the coming days. The airline's scheduled change refund policy remains in effect.
During the consolidation announcement, Taylor called on the federal government to remove "cumbersome travel rules that are unnecessarily impacting Canadians and prolonging the recovery of the travel and tourism sector."
"Canada remains one of the only countries in the world requiring multiple molecular tests for fully-vaccinated travellers -- these testing resources should be redeployed to our communities."
In December, WestJet announced it had cancelled 15 per cent of its January flights.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.