WestJet cuts capacity amid rising fuel prices, "minimal impact" on U.S., sun

WestJet says it has reduced capacity this spring by consolidating flights on lower-demand routes and shifting the travel period for some seasonal services as fuel costs continue to climb.

In an update issued April 20, the airline said it cut capacity by about one per cent in April, three per cent in May and 5.5 per cent in June as it works to manage rising fuel expenses and align flying with demand.

WestJet said travellers affected by the changes are being reaccommodated, with most rebooked on departures leaving the same day as their original flight.

The airline added that it remains in regular contact with fuel suppliers as the aviation industry responds to ongoing supply chain challenges tied to strained access in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Minimal impact" on U.S. & sun destinations

In a statement, WestJet said that most of the impact is on domestic routes, "with minimal impact to our operations in the United States and to sun destinations." 

"There have been no impacts to our transatlantic and transpacific flying at this time," the airline wrote in an email. 

As previously reported in the Edmonton Journal, WestJet is planning to reduce some capacity in Edmonton, Alberta this spring.

“Fuel prices continue to rise, and as a result we have adjusted our flying to align with demand and best manage associated fuel costs,” the company wrote in an email to Postmedia. “This includes consolidating flights on lower demand routes and adjusting the travel period for seasonal offerings. We have reduced capacity across our network by approximately one per cent in April and three per cent in May, which included some flights in Edmonton.”

Airlines adjust

The adjustments come as airlines globally respond to rising jet fuel prices tied to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Other Canadian carriers are scaling back less profitable flying. 

As previously reported, Air Canada has suspended six routes, including service between Toronto and Montreal and New York’s JFK Airport, after fuel costs made some flights “no longer economically feasible.”

Flights between Fort McMurray and Vancouver; Yellowknife and Toronto; Salt Lake City and Toronto; and a planned route from Guadalajara to Montreal were also impacted by Air Canada's changes.

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