The airline WestJet warned on Thursday of a reduction in flights this summer, the day after a similar announcement by its competitor Air Canada, due to a rapid resumption of travel and a major shortage of workers. work that paralyzes the country’s airports.
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“We plan to offer in July 2022 a transport capacity 21% lower than it was in July 2019”, indicated the second carrier of the country, in a press release.
The summer season will be reduced to “about 530 flights per day”, against “more than 700” three years ago.
WestJet denies having taken measures upstream to anticipate the sudden and rapid resumption of travel, in particular by hiring more than 1,000 employees. “Staff hiring continues across multiple departments,” the airline explained.
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On Wednesday, Air Canada announced that it had to “practice substantial reductions in our flight schedule in July and August” in order to reduce volumes and passenger flows.
For the past few days, travelers leaving or arriving at Montreal International Airport have been observing chaos.
Long queues persist, many flights are canceled or delayed there, and luggage is piling up near carousels, creating frustration among travellers.
“We continue to strengthen our air transport system despite the current delays,” tweeted Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, adding that he spoke with WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.