by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 2:35 PM ET, Thu October 15, 2026
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech is calling on Ottawa to develop a National Aviation Strategy to address rising travel costs, improve air connectivity and reconsider regulations he says are adding to the cost of flying in Canada.
Speaking at IATA Aviation Day Canada in Ottawa, von Hoensbroech joined a panel of Canadian airline executives moderated by former federal transport minister Lisa Raitt to discuss the challenges facing the country's aviation industry, from rising fuel prices and airport fees to labour disruptions and passenger protection regulations.
“Air travel in Canada is a necessity, a National Aviation Strategy is key to ensuring Canadians are able to stay connected,” said von Hoensbroech.
Higher Fuel Costs Could Mean Higher Fares
According to WestJet, Canadian airlines are facing mounting financial pressures as transborder travel demand slows, the Cuban leisure market remains closed and geopolitical tensions drive up operating costs.
The airline says jet fuel costs have doubled, creating a significant challenge for carriers already operating on narrow profit margins.
“WestJet has adapted through operational discipline and commercial decisions,” said von Hoensbroech.
“The recent fuel price developments form a significant challenge, as this continues to be a factor, we will need to recover the risen fuel costs through higher fares.”
The warning comes as affordability remains a concern for Canadian travellers.
WestJet points to Canada's ranking of 101st out of 116 countries for travel and tourism price competitiveness, arguing that government-imposed costs and airport charges are contributing to the problem.
According to figures cited by the airline, base airfares have fallen by more than 50 per cent in inflation-adjusted terms over the past three decades, while costs associated with government regulations, third-party fees, taxes and airport charges have doubled.
“Even in strong years, global airlines operate on razor-thin margins of just a few dollars per passenger,” said von Hoensbroech.
“We support the government’s review of fees, airport structures, and passenger regulations but this must translate into practical policies that lower user costs and protect connectivity.”
WestJet Calls for Changes to Passenger Protection Rules
Von Hoensbroech also took aim at Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), arguing that the current system is unnecessarily complicated and places too much responsibility on airlines without adequately addressing other parts of the aviation system.
“Guests deserve a transparent and fair system when disruptions occur,” said von Hoensbroech.
“The current Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) system is complex, costly and confusing, and doesn’t hold many critical providers in the aviation sector accountable. The industry needs a streamlined, faster, and more balanced system that protects passenger rights without imposing excessive administrative costs that ultimately get passed along to travellers.”
The airline's position comes amid ongoing debate over how Canada should balance passenger rights with the operational and financial challenges faced by carriers.
Airport funding and potential changes to airport ownership structures were also discussed.
“Any proposed model must pass a simple test: does it keep travel affordable, enhance Canada's competitiveness, and deliver a better journey for travellers?” said von Hoensbroech.
“If restructuring unlocks capital value, it should stay in the aviation ecosystem—reinvested in modern airport infrastructure and lower travel costs, rather than extracted from the system.”
According to WestJet, panelists agreed that stronger economic oversight of passenger fees and aeronautical charges should be established before any airport privatization moves forward.
Labour Disruptions Remain a Concern
Labour stability was another major topic, with von Hoensbroech warning that even short work stoppages can have consequences for travellers, tourism businesses and communities that depend on air service.
“WestJet firmly supports collective bargaining; the best agreements are always reached at the negotiation table,” said von Hoensbroech.
WestJet supports proposed legislative measures that would strengthen mediation and extend conciliation periods, while allowing additional flexibility when negotiations are close to a settlement.
The airline also pointed to this summer's labour disruption, arguing that hundreds of thousands of travellers were unnecessarily affected by a strike over an agreement it says had essentially been offered before the work stoppage.
“The priority must be to preserve collective bargaining rights while preventing avoidable travel disruptions,” von Hoensbroech added.
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