WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSXLWJA) is suspending service to Atlantic Canada.
The carrier said that it is indefinitely suspending operations to Moncton, Fredericton, Sydney, and Charlottetown, while significantly reducing service to Halifax and St. John's. The suspensions, which also include discontinued service to Quebec City, take effect on November 2 and will result in the elimination of 100 flights per week.
"It has become increasingly unviable to serve these markets," WestJet Chief Executive Officer Ed Sims said in a news release. "Our intent is to return as soon as it becomes economically viable to do so."
The move will result in 100 jobs losses for corporate and operational support employees. WestJet has already laid off thousands of its staff since the global pandemic took hold. Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau called WestJet’s decision to cut service "unfortunate."
Airlines have been calling on the federal government for financial aid to help weather Covid-19-related travel restrictions but have yet to receive any targeted support from Ottawa.
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