WestJet Cuts Routes, Cites ‘Incoherent’ Canada Covid Rules

Roughly 1,000 workers affected after negative-test rule begins
80% capacity cut from March 2020; fewest flights since 2001

After new cuts are made through March, WestJet will have reduced its capacity roughly 80% from a year earlier.Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

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By Danielle Bochove and Kait Bolongaro

January 8, 2021 at 4:04 PM UTC

Updated on

January 8, 2021 at 5:00 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. said it would reduce capacity by a further 30% in February and March, affecting the jobs or pay of roughly 1,000 employees and bringing the number of domestic and international flights it operates down to levels not seen in almost 20 years.

The cuts come after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government ordered travelers to present a recent negative Covid-19 test before being allowed to board flights into Canada. The new rules took effect Thursday.