File photo of the Medicine Hat Airport (CHAT News Today)

By Justin Goulet

WestJet temporarily suspending service in four Canadian cities, including Medicine Hat

Feb 18, 2021 | 8:38 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – WestJet has announced it is temporarily suspending operations in some Canadian cities, including Medicine Hat and Lloydminster, Alberta.

Service will be suspended as of March 19 until June 24, 2021 in the Alberta municipalities. The other communities impacted are St. John’s Newfoundland and London, Ontario

WestJet President and CEO Ed Sims said the company has “continued to operate in the face of uncertainty” as domestic and international travel restrictions and quarantine have caused demand for flights to drop.

“Unfortunately, with new and increasingly restrictive policies, we are left once again, with no other option than to suspend service to these communities,” Sims said in a release.

WestJet Link service from Calgary to Lloydminster will end on March 19, and Calgary to Medicine Hat discontinued as of March 21. Flights between St. John’s and Halifax will be suspended as of March 21, with service between London and Toronto ceased on March 22, 2021.

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“Our ability to return to markets remains directly correlated to government policies and the prioritization of a domestic travel program,” stated Sims.

“As we look ahead to contributing to the economic recovery of Canada, the relationship between testing and quarantine must evolve based on data and science.”

WestJet continues to operate at more than a 90 per cent reduction year over year. Guests impacted by Thursday’s announcement will be contacted directly regarding their options for travel to and from the regions.

Service is set to resume to all communities as of June 24, 2021.

(WestJet)

In June of 2020, the airline announced organizational changes via its airport transformation program.

As a result of the suspensions, WestJet will work with newly established third-party service providers in St. John’s and London and directly with Pacific Coastal Airlines for affected operations in Lloydminster and Medicine Hat.