WestJet says cancellations and delays across its network will continue for the “foreseeable future” as it recovers from damage caused by an unprecedented hailstorm in Calgary on Monday night. As a result of the storm, 16 WestJet aircraft – 10 percent of its fleet – are grounded as they require substantial repairs and inspections before returning to service.
By midday Wednesday, WestJet reported over 80 total cancellations, adding to 106 on Tuesday and 58 Monday.
In response to the impact of the storm, a travel advisory has been posted on WestJet.com and flexible change/cancel guidelines have been announced for all WestJet flight-only bookings for travel between Aug. 5 and 8, 2024.
“The extreme weather events that occurred on Monday evening had a disproportionate impact on our people, who experienced damage to their homes and vehicles, our fleet, and our partners at YYC Calgary International Airport,” said WestJet Group president Diederik Pen.
He added, “The severity and direction of the actual thunderstorm and hail became clear less than 30 minutes before impact, and we are extremely appreciative of our people who took quick action, prioritizing safety above all while limiting damage to our fleet and operation, wherever possible.”
According to WestJet the status of its Calgary fleet of 22 aircraft was:
- 4 were moved into a hangar for protection
- 9 aircraft diverted
- 2 aircraft have been cleared with minor damage
- 16 aircraft are significantly damaged
A spokeswoman for Air Canada says its Calgary operations have returned to normal and it was able to schedule its largest planes to transport stranded passengers.
YYC
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, dozens of flights were cancelled at Calgary airport, which also suffered serious damage from the storm, including dripping water and falling ceiling tiles, causing guests to be evacuated out of certain areas of the facility.
On Tuesday, part of the domestic terminal building at the airport remained closed Tuesday but flights were still operating out of other gates.
“We understand the impact this weather event has had on our guests and partners and are working closely with partners to adapt and minimize disruptions,” the airport said in a social media post. “We continue to assess damage and thank everyone for their patience and co-operation as we adapt operations.”
The airport said in a media release later Tuesday that guest experience teams and White Hat Volunteers – people clad in cowboy hats and red vests and whose mission is to show “warm western hospitality” – were answering questions, providing directions, and handing out water and snacks to travellers whose plans were disrupted.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada said in a news release Tuesday that hailstorms and other natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, especially in Alberta.
Insured losses from hail damage have totalled nearly $3 billion between 2019 and 2023, the bureau said. A June 2020 Calgary storm resulted in some 70,000 claims and more than $1.3 billion in insured damage.