WestJet is halting flights between Toronto and Montreal for the winter. Passengers walk past Air Canada and WestJet planes at Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
WestJet, a Calgary-based airline, has announced its decision to suspend flights between Toronto and Montreal for the winter, marking a continuation of its strategic shift away from short-haul routes in Eastern Canada to concentrate on operations in the West.
The suspension of the Toronto-Montreal route is scheduled for six months, starting in late October and resuming in late April, according to a statement from the company. The move aligns with WestJet's broader strategic direction, focusing on expanding its presence in Eastern Canada during the winter months by enhancing non-stop connectivity to Western Canada and offering more affordable leisure and sun travel options across the country.
The decision comes as WestJet reduces its flights between Canada's two largest cities by 80%, compared to 2019 levels. The airline has been streamlining its routes in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, redirecting its focus to Western Canada, where it faces increasing competition from other carriers like Flair Airlines and Lynx Air.
The Toronto-Montreal corridor is a busy route, currently served by four carriers – Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, and Air Transat – with over 350 trips per week, according to aviation data firm Cirium.
While WestJet has been cutting back on routes in Eastern Canada, its recent acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and a related vacation division enables the airline to expand its reach to sun destinations accessible from airports in Eastern Canada. The company emphasized its commitment to the Eastern Canada region, even though its regional stake east of the Prairies is relatively thin. As of November, WestJet will operate flights from Toronto to only two Canadian airports east of the city – Ottawa and Halifax.
Founded in Calgary in 1996 as a regional carrier, WestJet has grown significantly, now serving nearly a third of Canada's domestic air travel market. However, Air Canada remains the dominant player, accounting for almost half of the market share. WestJet's recent strategic decisions reflect a shifting landscape in the Canadian aviation industry as airlines adjust their operations to meet changing travel patterns and market demands.
