A line at the WestJet counter at the airport in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, May 18, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
WINNIPEG — WestJet is reducing some non-stop flights from Winnipeg to the United States amid a downward shift in demand for transborder bookings.
WestJet confirmed to ChrisD.ca on Thursday several flight adjustments, which will see the Winnipeg to Orlando route cancelled in June only. From June through August, the direct Winnipeg to Los Angeles route will also disappear, but return on August 28.
It should be noted that the direct YWG to LAX route was previously subsidized by the former Manitoba government under the Progressive Conservatives, but wasn’t renewed under the current NDP government. When it was first announced in 2022, the route was touted as a boost to Manitoba’s film industry for both actors and industry workers.
Also being reduced this summer are direct Las Vegas flights from Winnipeg’s James Richardson International Airport for the months of July and August.
“WestJet will also be reducing the weekly frequency between Winnipeg and Atlanta from five times weekly to three times weekly in June and two times weekly in July and August,” WestJet spokesperson Julia Brunet said in an email.
“As a proudly Canadian airline, WestJet is committed to ensuring air travel remains accessible, affordable and safe for all Canadians, and we’ll continue to fly where our guests want to go.”
To make up for the reduction in direct U.S.-bound flights, the Calgary-based airline will add a new direct flight to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from Winnipeg, as well as increased service from YWG to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“Winnipeg Richardson International Airport continues to work closely with WestJet and our airline partners to strengthen air connectivity for our community,” Winnipeg Airports Authority spokesperson Kerilee Falloon told ChrisD.ca.
“We’re pleased to see WestJet’s continued investment in Winnipeg with the addition of a new direct flight to St. John’s and increased service to Halifax, beginning July 1. “
