Fuel Crisis Grows; WestJet Consolidates and Reduces Capacity

WestJet is adjusting its schedule amidst the industry’s fuel crisis, reducing capacity by approximately one per cent in April, three per cent in May and five and a half per cent in June.

In a statement to Travel Market Report Canada, the airline confirmed they have consolidated some flights as a result rising fuel prices.

“Most of these impacts are on domestic routes, with minimal impact to our operations in the United States and to sun destinations. There have been no impacts to our transatlantic and transpacific flying at this time.”

Guests impacted by these changes are provided with re-accommodation options, most within the same day as their original departure.   

A statement on the airline’s website says the airline “has not made schedule changes due to recent news of fuel availability at this time; however, it is evaluating its summer schedule and may adjust flying to balance fuel supply. WestJet is in regular communication with fuel suppliers and monitoring the global fuel situation closely.”

The airline industry is heavily affected by the war in Iran and subsequent strained access of fuel delivery in the Strait of Hormuz.

Late last week Air Canada announced a total of six flight suspensions including popular Toronto and Montreal to New York’s JFK Airport.

In a release on Friday (April 17) the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called its assessment of potential jet fuel shortages “sobering”.

“We have also estimated that by the end of May we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.