WestJet Airlines has announced that it will be suspending all international flights for 30 days beginning March 22, according to CBC News. This suspension will include flights to the United States.
All of the international flights will make their way back to Canada by 11:59 p.m. local time, on March 22. The company noted that they will still be working with the Canadian government to send rescue and repatriation flights.
On Monday night when WestJet made the announcement, tickets became unavailable for sale for the 30 days after March 22.
The airline said that it is “no longer sending Canadians out of the country" and noted that it is now going to focus on bringing Canadians home.
In a statement, WestJet president and CEO Ed Sims said, “WestJetters are known for our level of care and this situation is no different. While this is a difficult time, we now have the responsibility as a Canadian airline to bring our citizens home.”
WestJet made the decision after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Canadians to return home on Monday. Global Affairs Canada also noted that Canadians should return to the country while they can because tight travel restrictions are being implemented all around the world.
WestJet added that it will be lowering prices on the spots remaining on flights heading for Canada.
“While this is a difficult time, we now have the responsibility as a Canadian airline to bring our citizens home,” said CEO Ed Sims.
The airline said that Canadians who have plans to return to Canada after March 22 should try to find an earlier return flight. Otherwise, they should register for possible repatriation on the Canadian government’s website.
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
Last week, the union that represents flight attendants who work for WestJet said that it may have to lay off over 50 percent of staff.
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