WestJet cuts back on Hamilton service just as summer travel season about to begin

WestJet is once again snubbing Hamilton airport with word that it will no longer offer flights to Halifax, N.S., and St. John’s, N.L., as of July 1. It also said it would also cut back on its service to Orlando.

What’s left is the year-round morning service to Calgary

“The decision to remove service is never taken lightly and we understand this is disappointing news for our guests and the community of Hamilton and sincerely apologize for the impact this may have,” WestJet spokesperson Madison Kruger told the Bay Observer in an email.

“We have provided our guests with as much advance notice as possible either directly, or through their travel agent. Impacted guests will be provided with a refund to their original form of payment.”

When WestJet scrapped the low-cost Swoop airline and took over Sunwing, the airline referred to the interruption as “a transitionary period, completing the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop.”

“Hamilton was integral to Swoop’s success and remains a valuable part of the WestJet Group’s future,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “As we work through this transitionary period, WestJet’s service from Hamilton will be centered on our strategic focus of providing non-stop domestic connectivity to Western Canada and the sun destinations…”

The announcement gave some hope there would be an alternative provided by WestJet, but it did not materialize other than a recently-announced ultra-basic fare. Those flying UltraBasic will sit in pre-assigned seats at the back of the place, and will have to pay extra to select a seat, even when checking in. They will also board the plane last. The passengers flying UltraBasic are also not allowed to stow a carry-on bag in the overhead bins, unless they choose to pay extra. However, UltraBasic passengers can bring a personal item that can be stored under the seat, and carry-ons are allowed for trans-ocean routes.

The airport in its most recent appearance before Hamilton Council reported a banner year for cargo and the best year since 2019 for passenger traffic. Prior to last summer’s cancellation of Swoop, travellers were able to reach multiple Canadian destinations east and werst, from Hamilton. Today’s announcement reduces those options considerably.