CALGARY — WestJet says it is suspending service to four Canadian cities amid slumping demand due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Starting March 19, the airline plans to suspend all flights to St. John's, London, Ont., Lloydminster, Alta. and Medicine Hat, Alta. until June 24.
Flights between St. John's and Halifax will stop as of March 21 and flights between London and Toronto will be suspended on March 22, WestJet says.
WestJet Link flights from Calgary to Lloydminster will end on March 19, and flights from Calgary to Medicine Hat will be suspended on March 21.
WestJet CEO and president Ed Sims says the company's ability to return service in certain market depends on the government's policies, including whether it prioritizes domestic travel for aid.
Canadian airlines have laid off thousands of workers this year and cut more routes as the federal government implements increasingly strict travel measures.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2021.
The Canadian Press