WestJet cuts service between Hat and Calgary by 33 per cent

By GILLIAN SLADE on March 24, 2020.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade

WestJet is reducing the number of flights it operates between Medicine Hat and Calgary from three to two a day, effective immediately.

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement last week about closing borders, West Jet announced suspension of its international and transborder flights for 30 days effective March 22 at 11:59 p.m. It also announced a 50 per cent reduction in domestic flights.

WestJet service out of Medicine Hat commenced in June 2018. It contracted with Pacific Coastal Airlines to provide the service in a 34-seater Saab aircraft.

Air Canada announced a couple of weeks ago that it will suspend indefinitely its twice daily flights from Medicine Hat to Calgary from April 1.

“While WestJet is reducing our domestic service by about 50 per cent, we are committed to keeping critical economic lifelines open for the 38 communities we serve across Canada,” said a spokesperson in an emailed statement.

“We have proudly served Canadians for more than 24 years and we are committed to providing them critical economic connectivity during this difficult time,” said Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO. “Frequency may be reduced, but we pledge to be there for Canadians as long as possible to keep connections open and vital goods moving across our country.”

The adjustments are considered temporary and could change as more information becomes known.