Airline WestJet warned on Thursday of flight reductions this summer, a day after its competitor Air Canada made a similar announcement, citing a rapid resumption of travel and significant labor shortages that have brought the country’s airports to a standstill.
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“We plan to provide 21% less transportation capacity in July 2022 than in July 2019,” the country’s second carrier indicated in a press release.
The summer season will be reduced to “around 530 flights per day” from “more than 700” three years ago.
WestJet denied taking steps upstream to anticipate the sudden and rapid resumption of travel, notably by hiring more than 1,000 employees. “Crew recruitment continues across multiple departments,” the airline explained.
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On Wednesday, Air Canada announced it would “practice significant reductions in our flight schedule in July and August” to reduce volumes and passenger flows.
For the past few days, travelers departing or arriving at Montreal International Airport have been noticing chaos.
Long queues persist, many flights are canceled or delayed, and luggage piles up near the carousel, creating frustration among passengers.
“Despite the current delays we continue to strengthen our air transport system,” Transport Minister Omar Algabra tweeted after speaking with WestJet CEO Alexis von Hohensbroch.
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