WestJet strike from 2 August 2026

Around 4,400 WestJet flight attendants could begin strike action on Sunday, 2 August 2026. The industrial action could affect domestic and international services operated by the Canadian airline, including flights between European airports and Canada.

Strike action could begin on 2 August

The union representing WestJet’s cabin crew has issued a 72-hour strike notice. Unless WestJet and the union reach an agreement, flight attendants could stop working from 12:01 a.m. local time on 2 August.

The dispute mainly concerns payment for work carried out before and after flights. The union wants cabin crew to be paid from the moment they report for duty until the end of their shift.

WestJet is currently continuing to operate its schedule, but cancellations and changes may occur if no agreement is reached. The airline has introduced flexible rebooking options for certain passengers travelling between 30 July and 4 August 2026.

The potential strike only concerns flights operated by WestJet’s mainline operation. WestJet Encore services and codeshare flights operated by partner airlines are not expected to be affected.

Passengers departing from the EU may receive €600

WestJet operates flights between Canada and several European destinations, including Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and Copenhagen.

Flights departing from an airport in the European Union are protected by European passenger rights legislation. These rules also apply when the operating airline is based outside the EU.

Passengers whose WestJet flight from the EU is cancelled or arrives at its destination at least three hours late may be entitled to compensation. A strike involving an airline’s own employees is generally not considered an extraordinary circumstance.

Because flights between Europe and Canada usually cover more than 3,500 kilometres, affected passengers may be entitled to €600 in compensation per person. In certain cases, the airline may reduce the compensation to €300 when the passenger arrives between three and four hours late.

European compensation rules do not normally apply to a WestJet flight departing from Canada for Europe. WestJet is not an EU airline, so flights operated by WestJet are only covered by the European regulation when they depart from the EU.

Meals, accommodation and an alternative flight

Passengers experiencing a long delay or cancellation on a flight departing from the EU also have a right to care.

Depending on the waiting time, WestJet must provide passengers with food and drinks. If an overnight stay becomes necessary, the airline must also arrange suitable accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.

This duty of care continues to apply when the disruption is caused by strike action. Passengers who pay for reasonable meals, accommodation or transport themselves should keep all receipts.

Different rules apply when a WestJet flight starts in Canada. Canadian passenger protection rules may require WestJet to rebook affected passengers or refund their tickets. However, the right to meals and accommodation may be more limited when the disruption is caused by a labour dispute.

Passengers should keep their booking confirmation, boarding pass, messages from WestJet and receipts for any additional expenses.

Claim compensation for your disrupted WestJet flight

Was your WestJet flight from an EU airport cancelled or seriously delayed because of the strike? EUclaim can check whether you are entitled to compensation.

We assess your flight and can handle the claim on your behalf. You only pay if your claim is successful.