by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:35 AM ET, Tue April 21, 2026
WestJet is taking further steps to manage rising fuel costs, expanding on earlier measures that included surcharges and capacity reductions as pressure builds across the aviation sector.
The latest update, issued April 20, follows an earlier April 7 advisory in which the airline outlined immediate actions tied to the ongoing disruption in global oil supply linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
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At that time, WestJet confirmed it would introduce new fuel surcharges and operational adjustments, including:
- A $60 surcharge on bookings made using WestJet Rewards companion vouchers (effective April 8
- A $50 per person surcharge on Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec packages (effective April 14 for new bookings)
- Consolidation of flights on lower-demand routes
The airline noted that fuel, which typically accounts for about 20% of operating costs, has increased significantly amid supply constraints.
Capacity cuts already underway
In its most recent update, WestJet confirmed it has already begun scaling back capacity through the spring:
April: down approximately 1%
May: down 3%
June: down 5.5%
These reductions are being achieved through flight consolidation and adjustments to seasonal schedules.
Summer schedule under review
While WestJet has not yet made additional schedule changes directly tied to fuel availability, it says it is actively reviewing its summer schedule and could adjust flying further if supply pressures persist.
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The airline said it remains in close contact with fuel suppliers and is continuing to monitor the global situation.
Broader industry impact
WestJet’s evolving response reflects a wider trend among Canadian carriers, many of which have begun introducing surcharges, trimming capacity or adjusting routes as jet fuel prices climb.
The situation stems from ongoing disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which has tightened supply and driven up costs across the aviation sector.
For travel advisors, the developments signal continued volatility heading into peak season, with pricing, availability and schedules all subject to change as airlines work to manage margins in an increasingly challenging operating environment.
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