OTTAWA - WestJet says it is suspending all commercial international and transborder flights for a 30-day period to help control the spread of COVID-19, effective March 23.
The Calgary-based airline says it will be operating rescue and repatriation flights in partnership with the Canadian government.
"WestJetters are known for our level of care and this situation is no different," WestJet president and CEO Ed Sims said. "While this is a difficult time, we now have the responsibility as a Canadian airline to bring our citizens home."
WestJet will also be lowering ticket prices for any remaining seats into Canada for those trying to return. The airline's domestic flight schedule is also being reduced by 50 per cent for the next 30 days.
Today, PM @JustinTrudeau made a declaration to Canadians abroad that it is time to come home. Based on this, we will be suspending our commercial operations for all international and transborder flights on Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Read more - https://t.co/dJtNHeij8V pic.twitter.com/iCUpI0hDCP
— WestJet (@WestJet) March 17, 2020
