WestJet slashes its March timetables due to weak passenger demand

WestJet has slashed its March 2022 timetables by 20% due to weak passenger demand and continuing travel restrictions in Canada. WestJet says air travel continues to be the most tested yet most restricted consumer activity in Canada. The airline had already cut its February capacity by 20%.

In a media statement, WestJet’s interim President and CEO, Harry Taylor, called out Canada’s strict testing regime. Mr Taylor says the mandatory molecular testing regime for fully vaccinated travelers before and after travel to Canada is excessive. He calls the current testing rules punitive for passengers and a deterrent to travel.

That approach has dashed hopes Canada’s carriers had for a busy winter of flying. WestJet canceled 1,467 flights in January, or 13% of its scheduled flying, in response to the omicron variant impacting the ability of the airline to operate flights and government-imposed barriers to travel. Competitor Air Canada canceled 2,755 flights in January, or 12% of its overall schedule.

In mid-January, WestJet announced another round of flight cuts through to the end of February. Monday’s announcement extends those cuts through to March 31. Westjet.com and simpleflying.com