CALGARY, AB, Aug. 3, 2026 /CNW/ — WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing WestJet Cabin Crew, have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to the work stoppage and network-wide operational disruption, and withdrawing both the strike and lockout notices. The agreement will now go to WestJet Cabin Crew for a ratification vote.
“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the hard work and professionalism our cabin crew,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of WestJet. “We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters and we’re sorry for that. Our teams are working hard to restore service and get our guests on their way to their destinations as quickly as possible and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we get back to normal.”
WestJet will share further details on the return to operations as they become available.
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Québec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — WestJet today released the details of the transformational offer made to the union representing WestJet Cabin Crew, put forward to avert a strike. Late into the night, WestJet put forward changes in several key areas in an effort to reach an agreement and avoid work stoppage. These efforts were made subsequently to the airline already addressing the explicit demands vocally communicated through the union’s public campaign.
WestJet recognizes the decision for Cabin Crew to strike is not an easy one. Given this, it’s important to be clear about what was offered, what was not accepted, and what is leading to 250,000 guests whose August long weekend travel is cancelled, with further flights to follow, depending on the duration of the work stoppage.
Details of the proposal include
Wage increases across the board:
Effective October 1, 2026
13.0% increase
Effective January 1, 2027
2.5% increase
Effective January 1, 2028
2.5% increase
Effective January 1, 2029
2.5% increase
Retroactive wage payment to January 1, 2026
NEW Duty pay premium – a payment for all duty hours (additional pay for all hours worked designed to solve the union’s claim of unpaid work), equivalent to another 12% of salary increase
Healthcare Spending Account: $300 in health spending per year
Significant increase in per diem (meal allowance) rates: increase of 13% in 2026, and 2.5% every year thereafter
Fifth week of vacation at 25 years of service
Maternity leave top-up to 17 weeks postpartum
New flexible part-time program (reduced block)
Significant scheduling and quality-of-life improvements: one additional hour of rest at home base; increase to minimum rest away from base of one hour; out of base partial shift trades
Premium payment when reassigned to an uncovered flight in a base
Reduced duty day maximum when working three legs or more
Payment when crew are faced with a delay accessing a hotel room on a layover
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Québec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — WestJet today confirmed a work stoppage is underway, preventing the airline from operating its scheduled 737 and 787 flights.
“We’re disappointed to be here, this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. “Our focus remains on staying available for the union to reach an agreement. We presented a proposal that would have set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, making WestJet the only airline to offer an hourly rate covering all time before and after flights, plus a double-digit wage increase in year one among other priorities the union raised. Unfortunately, it wasn’t accepted.”
All impacted guests will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable.
Guests who booked directly with WestJet will receive updates via the email provided at booking. Those who booked through a travel agent or third-party platform should reach out to them directly.
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Québec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
CALGARY, AB, July 31, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, WestJet shared an update on labour negotiations with the union representing their cabin crew. At this time, negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and as a labour disruption approaches, WestJet must begin the difficult process of parking 737 aircraft.
This necessary step allows the airline to maintain operational control and protect the integrity of the broader network. Most importantly, this proactive measure minimizes the risk of stranding guests and aircraft.
We remain active at the bargaining table to achieve a mutually agreeable deal at the earliest possible time.
WestJet Encore flights operated on a Q400, as well as codeshare flights operated by airline partners, remain unaffected.
Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. Please visit WestJet’s Travel Advisory page for all guest and travel-related questions and westjet.com/cabincrew for the latest updates on bargaining.
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Québec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
CALGARY, AB, July 30, 2026 /CNW/ — WestJet today responded to a 72-hour strike notification from the union that represents WestJet Cabin Crew by issuing a lockout notice. These notices do not immediately impact operations or mean that a labour disruption will occur. WestJet and CUPE are still actively negotiating to reach an agreement, avoiding impact to our guests.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. “We greatly value the work and contributions of our Cabin Crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft. Our commitment remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement that provides value and meaningful improvements for our Cabin Crew and is sustainable for our company.”
If an agreement is not reached, a work stoppage could occur as early as Aug. 2 at 00:01 MT. In the coming days, WestJet will take all necessary actions to manage the potential impacts as much as possible, including:
Managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of changes.
Continue to offer Flexible Change/Cancel policies for those guests with travel bookings between July 30, 2026, and August 4, 2026, who wish to make alternate arrangements.
Should flight delays or cancellations occur, impacted guests will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable. Guests who booked directly with WestJet will be directly communicated via the email address provided at the time of booking for any changes to their travel. Guests who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency are asked to contact those third-parties directly.
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Québec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
Guests can enjoy an elevated onboard experience with introductory pricing starting from $300 round-trip
TORONTO, July 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Sunwing Vacations is introducing premium cabin on eligible seven-night vacation packages, giving guests even more ways to elevate their vacation experience. Available for departures beginning October 1, 2026, premium cabin offers enhanced amenities and services in a dedicated cabin at the front of the aircraft.
“At Sunwing Vacations, we’re continuously enhancing our products to provide guests with even more choice and flexibility,” says Marek Andryszak, President, Sunwing Vacations Group. “The addition of premium cabin further strengthens our vacation offering and delivers an elevated travel experience from the moment guests step onboard.”
Designed for guests looking to elevate their journey, premium cabin features a dedicated cabin at the front of the aircraft with enhanced amenities and services, helping vacationers start relaxing before they even arrive at their destination.
To celebrate the launch, Sunwing Vacations is offering introductory pricing starting from $300 per person, round-trip* on eligible seven-night vacation packages booked between now and August 31, 2026, for travel between October 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. Guests with existing eligible seven-night package bookings made prior to July 15, 2026, may also add premium cabin by contacting the Sunwing Sales Centre.
Pricing varies by departure gateway and destination, is subject to availability, and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Full details, including booking information and offer terms and conditions, are available through the Sunwing Travel Agent Portal.
Offer Terms & Conditions
Pricing of premium cabin varies based on departing gateway and destination. Price is based on a round-trip for one person in addition to the quoted economy package price. All passengers sharing a room must book premium cabin. Offer applies to new eligible seven-night vacation packages booked between July 15 and August 31, 2026, for travel between November 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. Premium cabin may also be added to existing eligible seven-night package bookings made prior to July 15, 2026, by contacting the Sales Centre. Pricing is subject to change at any time and availability.
AboutSunwingVacations
As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit sunwing.ca.
New routes and expanded vacation offerings strengthen The WestJet Group’s leadership as Canada’s leading leisure airline and tour operator
CALGARY, AB, July 20, 2026 /CNW/ — This winter, WestJet is flying to Mérida, Mexico (MID) for the first time via its global hub at YYC Calgary International Airport. The weekly route will serve as the only non-stop connection point between the cultural capital of Yucatán and Western Canada, providing unmatched access to the rich history, famous architecture and distinct cuisine of Mexico’s safest city. WestJet is also adding new non-stop connections between Belize City, Belize (BZE) and Winnipeg (YWG); Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) and Winnipeg; San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) and Regina (YQR); as well as Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) and Ottawa (YOW).
From parkas to paradise: WestJet adds five new routes for winter 2026/2027
“These additions support the growing demand for options in Mexico and the Latin Caribbean, while sustainably expanding our schedule and managing our fleet during the peak winter travel season,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We are excited to offer more ways for guests to trade their snow boots for sandals in the destinations that matter most to them, and we look forward to the travel stories that will take off from these exciting new options.”
Mérida-Calgary 1x weekly Beginning December 17, 2026
San José del Cabo-Regina 1x weekly Beginning December 14, 2026
Punta Cana- Winnipeg 1x weekly Beginning November 28, 2026
Belize City- Winnipeg 1x weekly Beginning December 14, 2026
Liberia-Ottawa 1x weekly Beginning December 20, 2026
The new routes underscore WestJet’s ongoing commitment to being the nation’s leading leisure airline in sun destination travel. In addition to being the number one Canadian carrier to Mexico by flights, the airline will also maintain its position as the leading Canadian airline in Belize and Liberia this winter. During the peak winter travel season, WestJet will serve 50 sun destinations from 15 Canadian cities, more than any other airline in Canada. The airline is also planning on growing capacity on its most popular returning routes; which will be shared in the coming weeks.
Sunwing Vacations welcomes back fan-favourite vacation destinations
To bolster the WestJet Group’s position as the leading Canadian tour operator, Sunwing Vacations announced its winter schedule, revealing three new vacation package options. As part of its broader vacation package offering, guests can take advantage of returning winter vacations to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Roatán, Honduras. Sunwing Vacations will also offer packages between Ottawa and Liberia for the first time. The full vacation package winter schedule runs from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027, and is currently available for sale on Sunwing.ca.
Punta Cana-Winnipeg Beginning November 4, 2026
Roatán-Québec City Beginning December 14, 2026
Liberia-Ottawa Beginning December 20, 2026
*Previously operated in 2025
Additional quotes
“We know that Calgarians are always eager for direct flights south, and this new weekly flight to Merida puts another sunny vacation spot on the map. WestJet is unmatched in its direct service from Calgary, and YYC is proud to be the gateway for these winter getaways.”
Balazs Bogats, Chief Commercial Officer at Calgary Airports
“Winnipeg Airports Authority is excited to see WestJet add even more opportunities for travellers to head somewhere warm this winter. We are dedicated to offering more flights to places that matter to Manitobans, and we value WestJet’s partnership in bringing more connectivity to YWG.”
Nick Hays, President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority
“WestJet has a successful history in Canada’s Capital Region, and we’re pleased with its continued commitment here. Costa Rica is a popular destination for local travellers, famous for its sunshine, beaches, and eco‑powered adventures. The added capacity and choice created by WestJet’s new YOW–Liberia (LIR) service this winter will be incredibly welcome to Ottawa–Gatineau’s sun and adventure seekers.”
Joel Tkach, Vice President, Business Development & Marketing, Ottawa International Airport Authority
“Regina International Airport (YQR) is thrilled to welcome this new weekly, direct service to San Jose del Cabo (SJD) beginning in December, giving sun seekers a convenient, non-stop option to one of Mexico’s most popular winter vacation destinations, where the desert meets the sea.This exciting new route expands the travel choices for our community while strengthening our airport’s commitment to connecting passengers with the destinations they want to visit, especially during the long, cold, Saskatchewan winters.”
Katie, Dockham, Director, Commercial Development & External Relations, YQR
“ASUR is delighted with WestJet’s growth in Merida. We are thrilled to receive your new Calgary–Merida route this winter, a unique destination in the Yucatan Peninsula. We are certain that you will be very successful, and your customers will enjoy this wonderful piece of paradise and all that it has to offer. Cheers to our Canadian friends!”
Alejandro Vales Lehne, Customer and Route Development Director, ASUR
“We are pleased to continue expanding connectivity at Los Cabos International Airport with one of our most important international markets. A direct flight to Regina gives passengers more travel options and further strengthens our connection with Canada, one of our destination’s key markets. We appreciate WestJet’s continued commitment to Los Cabos.”
Francisco Villaseñor Reyes, Director of Los Cabos International Airport
“We are thrilled to welcome WestJet’s new Ottawa (YOW) –Guanacaste (LIR) service for the Winter 2026–2027 season. Guanacaste Airport remains the main gateway to Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific region for Canadian travelers, with Canadian passenger traffic growing 28% during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. With this addition, WestJet becomes the Canadian airline offering the most direct routes to Guanacaste, further strengthening tourism, supporting the local economy, and reinforcing the region’s position as a leading destination for adventure and wellness”.
Renata González, Guanacaste Airport Commercial and Communication Officer
“The launch of WestJet’s new Winnipeg–Belize City service is an important step in strengthening air connectivity between Canada and Belize, and a strong signal of confidence in our destination’s continued growth. Canada is one of Belize’s most important international markets, and with this new route complementing WestJet’s existing service from Toronto and Calgary, Canadians now have more access than ever to everything Belize has to offer. Greater air access is the cornerstone of tourism growth, and we are excited to welcome more Canadian travelers to discover Belize’s vibrant culture and our legendary reef-to-rainforest experiences through this deepening partnership with WestJet.”
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations
“We are delighted to welcome WestJet’s new Ottawa–Costa Rica route for the Winter 2026/2027 season, providing even more Canadians with convenient access to the natural beauty, biodiversity and warm hospitality that define Costa Rica. This new service further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Costa Rica, WestJet, and Sunwing, reinforcing our shared commitment to growing tourism and creating seamless travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle this winter”
Costa Rica Tourism Board
“Canada is one of the state’s most important international markets. Canadian visitors appreciate the rich culture, climate, cuisine, and landscapes that set our state apart. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen connectivity between Yucatán and Canada and help create more favourable conditions for increased tourist arrivals during the winter season, benefiting the entire tourism industry.”
Yucatán’s Secretary of Tourism Development, Mr. Darío Flota Ocampo
About WestJet
Taking to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations, WestJet is proudly celebrating its 30th birthday. Over the last three decades, WestJet has transformed Canada’s aviation landscape by pioneering low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Québec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. For more information, visit westjet.com.
CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CUPE 8125, representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, announced the results of their members’ vote on strike action after months at the bargaining table. With a strong turnout of 97.3% of the members, over 99.4% voted to give their bargaining team strike authorization.
Following a 21-day cooling-off period, cabin crew could go on strike as early as August 2, 2026.
CUPE 8125 emphasized that, from the beginning, its goal has been to achieve a negotiated agreement and minimize any impact on travellers. Due to stalled negotiations with WestJet, this strike vote became necessary to move the process forward at the bargaining table.
Alia Hussain, CUPE 8125 President, called on WestJet to return to bargaining with a new focus. “The members of CUPE 8125 are united and determined. They voted to strike because they stand behind the bargaining priorities that they have identified, especially pay for all hours of work performed. WestJet should do the right thing and prevent travel disruptions for their passengers.”
Airline builds momentum with industry-leading on-time performance and global top 10 ranking alongside completion of the Boeing 737 aircraft retrofit
CALGARY, AB, July 10, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet is celebrating another milestone in operational excellence, securing a place among the world’s most on-time airlines for the second month in a row. Earning back-to-back accolades in the Cirium On-Time Performance Report, WestJet is the most on-time airline in North America for the month of June and the entirety of Q2, a new record milestone. In addition to this important accomplishment, WestJet was recognized as the 6th most on-time airline amongst all major global airlines.
WestJet leads North America in on-time performance for the second month in a row
“Leading North America in on-time performance for all of Q2 is a testament to the focus and commitment of WestJetters across our operation,” said Safa Yamach, WestJet Vice-President, Operations Planning & Performance. “While these rankings are an important benchmark, what matters most is what they represent for our guests: a more reliable travel experience. From investing in our systems and processes to completing major fleet initiatives ahead of schedule, WestJetters are building a stronger, more resilient operation that is delivering measurable results.”
WestJet completed nearly 17,000 flights in June, with 86.4 per cent arriving on time – almost four percentage points ahead of the next highest-ranked North American carrier. Combined with a completion factor of 99.43 per cent, the results demonstrate a consistently reliable operation. WestJet’s June results cap a strong quarter for the airline, with on-time performance steadily improving throughout the spring.
WestJet completes 180-seat retrofit ahead of schedule
In addition to executing another exceptional on-time schedule, WestJet’s operations teams completed the retrofit of its remaining Boeing 737 aircraft (previously configured with 180 seats) ahead of schedule. The project, which was carefully coordinated alongside WestJet’s busy spring flying schedule, standardized the airline’s narrowbody fleet, reducing complexity in day-to-day operations. Completing the retrofit ahead of the peak summer travel season positions the airline to deliver a more consistent guest experience while supporting operational reliability and on-time performance. The retrofit project was originally planned to be completed this fall; however, WestJet proudly wrapped up the project part-way through June.
About WestJet
Since 1996, WestJet has been on a mission to make the skies a little more accessible — and a lot more enjoyable. A proudly Canadian airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, WestJet connects guests to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and some of the world’s most sought-after getaways, with nearly 200 aircraft and more than 100 routes to choose from.
With a team of more than 15,000 WestJetters, we’ve helped reshape what flying in Canada looks like — reducing airfares in half and welcoming more Canadians into the air. That’s not just good business. That’s a lot of happy travellers.
The WestJet Group — which includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations — is Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider. We’re focused on getting you there reliably, affordably and with the kind of care that makes the journey just as good as the destination. We’re always growing our network, investing in technology and finding new ways to make travel feel like it was made just for you. Learn more at westjet.com.
CALGARY, AB–(BUSINESS WIRE)–WestJet Mainline flight attendants, represented by CUPE 8125, officially opened a strike vote today that will continue until July 15, 2026. The union is seeking a strong mandate from members to support its position at the bargaining table as negotiations continue under federal conciliation until July 11.
“Our goal remains the same as it has been from the beginning: to reach a fair, negotiated, collective agreement,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125. “A strong strike mandate demonstrates that our members are united behind their bargaining committee and committed to achieving meaningful improvements.”
The union continues to negotiate key issues, including wages, compensation, scheduling, work-life balance, and other workplace improvements identified by members throughout the bargaining process.
A strike vote does not mean a strike will occur. It provides members with the opportunity to authorize strike action should it become necessary at a later stage of the bargaining process, while strengthening the bargaining committee’s position in negotiations.
“We are committed to reaching a negotiated settlement,” Hussain added. “We believe the best outcome is one achieved at the bargaining table, and we remain focused on securing an agreement that recognizes the value of the work WestJet flight attendants perform every day.”
The results of the strike vote will be released by CUPE 8125 following the close of voting on July 15. The earliest date a legal strike or employer lockout could occur is August 2, 2026.
