WestJet has plans to suspend flights for all international and transborder flights starting next week.
President and CEO Ed Sims says, “Today, Prime Minister Trudeau made an explicit declaration to all Canadians abroad that it is time to come home. Based on this statement and the recommendations to Canadians to control the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, we have made impactful decisions related to our operations. On Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. MDT, we will suspend scheduled commercial operations for all international and transborder flights for a 30 day period.”
Today, PM @JustinTrudeau made a declaration to Canadians abroad that it is time to come home. Based on this, we will be suspending our commercial operations for all international and transborder flights on Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Read more – https://t.co/dJtNHeij8V pic.twitter.com/iCUpI0hDCP
— WestJet (@WestJet) March 17, 2020
After that WestJet will only be operating rescue and repatriations flights in partnership with the Canadian government.
The airline says in an effort to assist Canadians who need to return home on short notice, they are in the process of lowering prices on remaining seats coming into Canada.
While this is a difficult time, we now have the responsibility as a Canadian airline to bring our citizens home. For more details, and to understand how this impacts you, please visit https://t.co/6DSkCWV8nE
— WestJet (@WestJet) March 17, 2020