CALGARY — Following yesterday’s announcement by Prime Minister Trudeau who implored all Canadians abroad to “come home”, WestJet has made the move to suspend all international and transborder flights for 30 days.

Its final commercially scheduled flights from international and transborder destinations will operate on Sunday night by 11:59 p.m. local time. After that, WestJet will begin operating rescue and repatriation flights in partnership with the Canadian government.

As of last night, March 16, international and transborder tickets are no longer available for sale during this 30-day period.

On March 18 at 11:59 p.m., MDT, the airline will suspend all outbound international ticket sales for travel until March 22 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.

To assist Canadians in returning home on short notice, WestJet is in the process of lowering prices on its remaining seats into Canada in all cabins. Plus, it is also reducing its domestic schedule by approximately 50%.

“At this point, all network changes are in place for the next 30 days,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “While this is a difficult time, we now have the responsibility as a Canadian airline to bring our citizens home.”

WestJet is offering impacted travellers the following four options:

• If a passenger has an existing booking for a flight within Canada that departs anytime, no action is required. WestJet will contact them if their flight is affected.
• If a passenger has an existing booking for an international flight that departs all travel segments prior to 11:59 p.m. local time on March 22, no action is required. WestJet will contact them if their flight is affected.
• If a passenger has an existing booking for an international flight with the first segment departing after 11:59 p.m. local time on March 22:

a) Most flights can be changed or cancelled online with Manage Trips
b) If they are unable to change or cancel their flight online, WestJet will contact them with flight options

• If a passenger has an existing booking for an international flight and have started their trip, but plan to return to Canada on a flight that departs after 11:59 p.m. local time on March 22:

a) There may be flights available for them to return to Canada prior to 11:59 p.m. local time on March 22. Passengers are advised to check westjet.com for availability and manage their flight via Manage Trips on WestJet’s website.
b) If a passenger is unable to secure a flight back to Canada on WestJet, they’re asked to contact the Canadian Government via www.travel.gc.ca to register.