WestJet cabin crew strike grounds all mainline flights; Encore service continues
More than 4,000 flight attendants began picket lines Sunday after contract talks failed. Check flight status before travelling.
Sources · local media reports
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WestJet temporarily suspended all mainline flights Sunday after more than 4,000 cabin crew members failed to reach a contract agreement and began strike action. Flight attendants started picketing at Pearson Airport in Toronto early Sunday morning. WestJet Encore, the airline's regional subsidiary operating smaller aircraft, continues to fly.
Ottawans with booked WestJet flights should check the airline's website to confirm whether their flight is operating. The strike affects the airline's entire mainline network.
The conflict began when flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30. WestJet responded with its own 72-hour lockout notice. Negotiations did not result in an agreement before the deadline.
Cabin crew demands include being paid for all work performed, including ground-based tasks; wages kept in line with inflation; improved scheduling and fatigue protections; and increased pay to reflect the safety role of flight attendants. The source did not specify what support WestJet is offering affected passengers, including rebooking and refund options, or when the strike is expected to end.
What are WestJet's rebooking and refund policies for passengers whose flights are cancelled?
When is the strike expected to end and when will mainline flights resume?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How many WestJet flight attendants are on strike?
More than 4,000 cabin crew members began strike action on Sunday, August 2, 2026, after failing to reach a contract agreement.
Which WestJet flights are still operating?
WestJet Encore, the airline's regional subsidiary, continues to operate flights using smaller aircraft while all mainline flights are suspended.
When did the strike notice get issued?
Flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026, after which WestJet responded with its own 72-hour lockout notice.
