- Flight Disruptions
- WestJet flight attendants strike cancels 615 flights and disrupts 250,000 passengers
WestJet flight attendants strike cancels 615 flights and disrupts 250,000 passengers
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Eligible for compensation
Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on August 4, 2026
615
Affected flights
250,000
Impacted travelers
1
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
A strike by WestJet's 4,400 flight attendants began on 2 August 2026, canceling 615 flights and affecting around 250,000 passengers during Canada's busy Civic Holiday weekend. The stoppage followed the collapse of wage talks and spread across WestJet's network, with Toronto Pearson International Airport among the key airports caught up in the disruption. The strike ended with a tentative deal agreed Monday, and flights will begin to return to normal schedule.
Because this is an airline staff strike, passengers on WestJet flights departing from or arriving at EU airports may be entitled to compensation if their flight was canceled at short notice or arrived more than 3 hours late.
Air passenger rights apply to flights in Canada and AirHelp can help you if you were affected on a flight departing from the UK or EU.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to $650 under passenger rights regulations.
Get flight compensation
free compensation check
fast & risk-free
highest success rate
Disruption details
Passengers flying with WestJet faced major disruption on 2 and 3 August 2026 after a strike by the airline's 4,400 flight attendants forced 615 flights to be canceled across its network. The walkout began during Canada's Civic Holiday weekend, with Toronto Pearson International Airport among the key airports affected.
For passengers, this meant last-minute cancellations, longer waits, and difficult rebooking during one of the busiest summer travel periods. The impact spread quickly because WestJet is Canada's second-largest carrier and holds about 30% of the domestic market, with flights across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.
By mid-morning on Sunday, the disruption had already reached a large scale:
WestJet had canceled 615 flights.
Around 250,000 passengers had their travel plans affected.
Knock-on disruption was spreading across the airline's domestic and international network.
The dispute centers on pay. The Canadian Union of Public Employees, or CUPE, says flight attendants should be paid for all hours between check-in and check-out, instead of mainly for the time when the aircraft is moving.
CUPE served a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday, and WestJet responded with a lockout notice while negotiations continued through the weekend. Those last-minute talks broke down early Sunday, triggering the walkout.
WestJet later published details of an offer the union rejected. The airline said the package included a 13% wage increase this year, 2.5% annual raises through 2029, an added premium equal to another 12% for pre- and post-flight duties, and improvements to per diems, vacation, and maternity leave.
A tentative deal has now been reached in the dispute, ending the strike, although it will take time for flights to return to normal.
WestJet said affected travelers would be offered refunds or accommodation. Some passengers, though, reported long waits for help.
Because this is an airline staff strike, some passengers may have compensation rights. If your WestJet flight departed from an EU airport and was canceled at short notice or delayed by more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to up to $650 compensation under EC 261.
If your journey was elsewhere, you will be covered by Canada's own air passenger rights, but it can be considerably harder for passengers to claim compensation under these laws.
Either way, you should still be offered rebooking or a refund if your flight was canceled.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Up to $650 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging up to $650 per person. Check your flight.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellations
Cause
Airline strike
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to $650 compensation
Flights affected
615
Passengers affected
250000
Airlines affected
Westjet
Airports affected
Pearson International Airport
Cities affected
Toronto
Countries affected
Canada
Start date
2026-08-02
End date
2026-08-03
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
August 4, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
