Dozens of B.C. flights cancelled amid WestJet mechanics strike
CTV
Dozens of WestJet flights have been cancelled at airports across B.C. Saturday after the airline's mechanics' union went ahead with strike plans Friday evening.
Dozens of WestJet flights have been cancelled at airports across B.C. Saturday after the airline's mechanics' union went ahead with strike plans Friday evening.
WestJet's online flight status tool showed 29 flights bound for Vancouver International Airport had been cancelled Saturday morning, as had another 28 departures from YVR.
Other major airports in B.C. were also affected, with Kelowna International Airport seeing eight departures and eight arrivals cancelled, and Victoria International Airport seeing six and eight, respectively.
Smaller airports in Abbotsford, Comox, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George and Terrace also showed at least one cancellation Saturday, according to WestJet.
The Calgary-based airline said it was cancelling more than 150 flights across its network as a result of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association strike, with more than 20,000 passengers expected to be affected during the busy Canada Day long weekend.
"Additional cancellations are anticipated by Saturday morning if the strike is not called off or intervention does not happen immediately," WestJet said in a statement Friday night.
The company added that it is "actively and aggressively pursuing every avenue to minimize disruption."
