WESTJET CONTINUES RETREAT FROM THE EAST

WestJet is suspending a number of routes out of Halifax this winter, though non-stop flights from the Nova Scotia capital to Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto will remain in service. Other routes suspensions from the eastern seaboard were also confirmed.

The Calgary-based carrier will suspend flights between Halifax and Montreal as of Oct. 2, while flights between Halifax and Sydney, NS, will be suspended as of Nov. 15; and routes from Halifax to Ottawa and St. John’s, Nfld., will end Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, respectively.

Meanwhile, on Nov. 15 WestJet flights between Fredericton and Toronto, Charlottetown and Toronto, and Quebec City and Toronto will also be suspended, as announced previously.

“We understand this is disappointing news and we apologize for any disruption this caused our guests and communities,” said WestJet CCO John Weatherill.

The company said affected customers were notified of the route suspensions and are able to book alternative travel arrangements or receive a refund.

There is no news yet on when service of the suspended routes will resume as WestJet continues to evaluate company growth against cost competitive roots and fleet growth.

Weatherill said the decision was difficult but will help in the long run, as the airline transitions more of its eastern routes to sun and leisure destinations.

Earlier this summer, WestJet announced its plan to focus future investments on Western Canada, where it has a large portion of the market share.