- WestJet began parking Boeing 737 aircraft ahead of a potential flight attendant strike scheduled for Sunday.
- Over 4,000 crew members seek pay for unpaid work performed before departure and after landing.
- Passengers can utilize one-time fee-free changes for travel dates between July 30 and August 4, 2026.
WestJet began parking Boeing 737 aircraft Friday, July 31, 2026, as a strike by 4,400 flight attendants could begin Sunday and force hundreds of flight cancellations. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
A work stoppage could start at 12:01 a.m. MT on August 2, 2026, after negotiations failed to produce a deal. The dispute involves cabin crew represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, with compensation for unpaid work at the centre of the talks.
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Both sides have issued job-action notices. CUPE 8125 delivered a strike notice, while the airline issued a 72-hour lockout notice. The notices expire just after midnight Sunday in Calgary.
WestJet said parking aircraft is intended to preserve control of its network and reduce the chance of leaving passengers or aircraft stranded. The carrier is preparing a reduced schedule if negotiations do not produce an agreement.
“This necessary step allows the airline to maintain operational control and protect the integrity of the broader network.”
The airline described the move as difficult but necessary. It also said, “Most importantly, this proactive measure minimizes the risk of stranding guests and aircraft.”
Passengers booked on affected dates can make one fee-free change or cancel. The offer covers travel from July 30, 2026, to August 4, 2026.
The free-change window covers five travel dates
| Travel period | Available option | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2026, to August 4, 2026 | One-time change or cancellation without fees | One-time use |
| Before July 30, 2026, or after August 4, 2026 | No special option identified in the policy described | Regular rules may apply |
WestJet Encore flights operated with Q400 aircraft and codeshare flights operated by partner airlines remain unaffected by the potential disruption. The 737 fleet is the equipment being parked as the company adjusts its schedule.
The airline said “hundreds of flights could be cancelled” if the two sides fail to reach an agreement. It has not said that every scheduled flight will stop, and passengers must verify their individual itineraries before traveling.
Alexis von Hoensbroech, chief executive officer of the WestJet Group, said the lockout notice followed the union’s action and was not issued lightly.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests.”
The airline said it remains active in negotiations “to achieve a mutually agreeable deal at the earliest possible time.”
The pay dispute centres on time spent working before and after flights
The union says flight attendants should receive pay from the moment they check in until they clock out. That position puts unpaid duties before departure and after landing at the centre of the compensation dispute.
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, said the parties still have time to reach an agreement.
“There’s still time to avoid a strike.”
Hussain added, “We will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved.”
The carrier’s aircraft parking comes before the earliest possible strike time, rather than after a confirmed walkout. By reducing the number of aircraft in operation ahead of any job action, the airline is trying to limit the operational effects of a sudden stoppage.
A separate wind-down agreement sets out what happens to crew already working when job action begins. Cabin crew on duty would complete their flights.
Those unable to return home immediately could receive hotel accommodation for up to a week or transportation to another Canadian city by air, subject to available seats. The arrangement addresses crew movements as the network winds down.
Negotiations remain open while the airline parks aircraft and prepares a reduced schedule. A deal before 12:01 a.m. MT on August 2, 2026 could prevent the planned job action, but the carrier is continuing preparations for cancellations if talks fail.
