Hail Damage Grounds 16 WestJet Aircraft

WestJet has grounded 16 aircraft, representing 10% of its total fleet, due to hail damage.

On Monday Aug. 5, a severe thunderstorm hit Calgary International Airport, shutting down gate B and disrupting flights. Large “golf ball-sized hail” caused widespread damage across Southern Alberta (colloquially known as “hailstorm alley”), as the ice pellets hammered into structures and vehicles (via The Weather Network).

WestJet, which is based in Calgary, was heavily impacted by the hailstorm.

“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 Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and group chief operating officer. “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.”

In a statement, WestJet revealed that 22 aircraft were on the ground during the storm. Four were moved to a hangar, and two were cleared with minor damage. The remaining 16 are “significantly damaged.”

WestJet’s team is “working diligently” to assess and repair the damage; however, no timeline for these repairs has been released.

So far, WestJet has cancelled over 200 flights.

“All of us at WestJet, are incredibly disappointed to be disrupting the travel plans of our valued guests again this summer, and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding over the coming days as we weather the impact following this significant storm. As always, I am grateful that our people prioritized the safety of our guests and themselves and continue to do so as we work diligently to restore our aircraft and operation,” continued Pen.