WestJet suspends service this summer between Halifax and Europe

The airline hopes to be able to resume seasonal transatlantic service next year

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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WestJet is temporarily cancelling flights between Halifax and Europe.

The airline says it made a “strategic decision” to suspend seasonal transatlantic service this year “as it continues to responsibly manage and recover its network in response to capacity constraints impacting the aviation ecosystem.”

“Halifax remains an integral part of our network and we understand this is disappointing news for our guests and the local community,” said WestJet’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, John Weatherill, in a news release.

“As we continue to responsibly balance our schedule alongside operational requirements, capacity constraints and the deployment of our aircraft across Canada, we are making these difficult decisions now to enable us to re-position our investments to best serve the province for years to come.”

According to the company, summer flights to Europe hadn’t yet gone on sale.

It plans to announce its summer schedule in the coming weeks, and says to expect enhanced “domestic offerings from coast-to-coast,” including increased service between Halifax and Western Canada.

WestJet hopes to be able to resume transatlantic service next summer.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport said it’s disappointed, but understands the airline has been dealing with some capacity challenges.

“We are working hard with current and prospective airline partners to increase Nova Scotia’s connections to the world,” said a tweet from the airline’s social media account.