WestJet suspends summer flights between Halifax & Europe

WestJet has suspended its transatlantic service between Halifax and Europe for summer 2023, according to an update the airline shared on Monday (Jan. 30).

The announcement comes as a result of “capacity constraints impacting the aviation ecosystem,” the carrier said, and due to  WestJet’s “strategic decision to suspend transatlantic flying from select Canadian cities.”

In a statement, the WestJet Group’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer said Halifax “remains an integral part” of the airline’s network.

“We understand this is disappointing news for our guests and the local community,” said John Weatherill. “As we continue to responsibly balance our schedule alongside operational requirements, capacity constraints and the deployment of our aircraft across Canada, we are making these difficult decisions now to enable us to re-position our investments to best serve the province for years to come,”

WestJet previously offered direct flights to London Gatwick, Dublin, Glasgow and Paris.

WestJet noted that it “remains committed to engaging with local stakeholders and community members” to evaluate the return of transatlantic service in 2024, as well as for all network opportunities moving forward.

The airline’s focus remains on “positioning its network to meet the travel demands of Canadians, while strengthening its footprint across Eastern Canada through sun and leisure travel,” which will be bolstered by its recent acquisition announcement of 42 additional Boeing MAX aircraft.

WestJet, which has served Halifax for 19 years, said tickets for the routes have not been available for sale for summer 2023.

It said its priority is to provide guests with “as much advance notice as possible” while giving “firm clarity” on routes that have been in question.

WestJet will announce its summer schedule in the coming weeks and said it “looks forward to enhancing domestic offerings from coast-to-coast, inclusive of increased service between Halifax and Western Canada.”

Meanwhile, Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) has taken to Twitter to share its response to the news.  

“We’re disappointed @WestJet won’t be back this summer with their popular non-stop European routes, but we understand they are dealing with capacity challenges not a lack of interest or support in serving this market,” the airport wrote.

Toronto & Vancouver suspension

WestJet’s transatlantic service to Europe has also been suspended from Vancouver and Toronto. 

It was removed from WestJet's schedules in early December of 2022, the airline confirmed. 

Any guest impacted by this schedule change was provided with option of arranging alternative travel arrangements or a refund to their original form of payment, WestJet said. 

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