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 Monday, March 23.
The Calgary-based airline says it will be operating rescue and repatriation flights in partnership with the Canadian government.
"Today, Prime Minister Trudeau made an explicit declaration to all Canadians abroad that it is time to come home," said Ed Sims, WestJet president and chief executive officer.
"Based on this statement and the recommendations to Canadians to control the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, we have made impactful decisions related to our operations."
Starting tonight, WestJet says it has stopped selling tickets for international and transborder for the 30-day shutdown period.
"To assist Canadians in returning home on short notice, we are in the process of lowering prices on our remaining seats into Canada in all cabins," Sims said, adding the airline is also reducing its domestic schedule by about 50 per cent.
"While this is a difficult time, we now have the responsibility as a Canadian airline to bring our citizens home," Sims concluded.
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
