WestJet service update - August 12

As WestJet teams continue working hard to perform necessary inspections and repairs, the airline operated several extra sections between Friday, August 9 and Monday, August 12 to accommodate disrupted guests and support the airline's scheduled service, including:

• 37 additional sections operated by WestJet Encore
• 14 additional sections operated by Canadian North
• 1 additional section operated on WestJet's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner 

Total cancellations by day as of August 12, 4 p.m. MT

*Forward looking cancellations subject to change

Across WestJet, teams continue working to perform necessary repairs and inspections to the 16 aircraft damaged by the hailstorm that impacted Calgary on the evening of August 5, 2024.

To support guests impacted by cancellations, WestJet has secured an agreement with Canadian North, allowing additional flights throughout the weekend across its network. 

Images of hail damage that impacted the WestJet’s fleet on Monday evening and recovery efforts. The first picture shows the wing spoilers which will be repaired prior to the aircraft returning to service and the second picture shows electronic mapping of each hail strike ensuring nothing is missed. 

As a result of the significant impact to WestJet’s fleet, cancellations continue to be implemented across the airline’s network to account for decreased capacity.

Total cancellations by day as of August 9, 12 p.m. MT

*Forward looking cancellations subject to change

Across WestJet, teams are working to perform necessary repairs and inspections to the 16 aircraft damaged by the hailstorm that impacted Calgary on the evening of August 5, 2024.   

As a result of the significant impact to WestJet’s fleet, cancellations continue to be implemented across the airline’s network to account for decreased capacity. 

Total cancellations by day as of August 8, 12 p.m. MT

*Forward looking cancellations subject to change

Due to the impact of the storm, a travel advisory has been posted on WestJet.com and flexible change/cancel guidelines have been announced for all WestJet flight only bookings for travel between August 5 and August 8, 2024. 

Guests are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport as further delays and cancellations may be required. Please visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status, travel changes and more.

Contact Centre wait times and self-serve options

We are currently experiencing very high volumes for our phone, email and social media support channels. Our teams are working diligently to assist every guest as quickly as possible.  

Before attempting to call the Contact Centre, guests are encouraged to leverage our self-serve options. For guests impacted by flight delays, cancellations and changes, please proceed to your WestJet email notification and leverage the unique live chat and self-serve links. For further support and instructions on how to best manage your travel plans, please visit Guest Updates page. 

For non-imminent requests that cannot be self-served, please book a call-back appointment at WestJet.com/contact.

WestJet teams are working diligently to understand and address the damage caused to its fleet by an unprecedented hailstorm that moved through WestJet’s global hub in Calgary on the evening of August 5, 2024. 

Following a comprehensive safety assessment, WestJet has determined that 16 of its aircraft, comprising 10 per cent of its total fleet capacity, require substantial repairs and inspections before returning to service. 

“As an airline that is proud to call Calgary our home, the extreme weather events that occurred on Monday evening had a disproportionate impact on our people, who experienced damage to their homes and vehicles; our fleet, and our partners at YYC Calgary International Airport” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Group, President of WestJet and Group Chief Operating Officer. “The severity and direction of the actual thunderstorm and hail became clear less than 30 minutes before impact, and we are extremely appreciative of our people who took quick action, prioritizing safety above all while limiting damage to our fleet and operation, wherever possible.”

WestJet Calgary fleet status

• 22 company aircraft were on the ground 
• 4 were moved into a hangar for protection
• 9 aircraft diverted
• 2 aircraft have been cleared with minor damage
• 16 aircraft are significantly damaged

As a result of the significant impact to WestJet’s fleet, cancellations will be implemented across the airline’s network to account for decreased capacity for the foreseeable future. 

Total cancellations by day as of August 7, 11 a.m. MT

 “All of us at WestJet, are incredibly disappointed to be disrupting the travel plans of our valued guests again this summer, and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding over the coming days as we weather the impact following this significant storm. As always, I am grateful that our people prioritized the safety of our guests and themselves and continue to do so as we work diligently to restore our aircraft and operation,” continued Pen. 

In response to the impact of the storm, a travel advisory has been posted on WestJet.com and flexible change/cancel guidelines have been announced for all WestJet flight only bookings for travel between August 5 and August 8, 2024.

Guests are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport as further delays and cancellations may be required. Please visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status, travel changes and more.