by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:45 AM ET, Tue August 4, 2026
WestJet continues to restore its flight schedule Tuesday after reaching a tentative agreement with the union representing its flight attendants, but travellers are still being warned to expect delays and schedule changes as the airline works to recover from one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer.
The tentative deal between WestJet and CUPE Local 8125, announced Monday, brought an end to the strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members that forced widespread flight cancellations over the August long weekend. While flight attendants have returned to work, the airline has cautioned that returning to normal operations will take time.
Before the strike began, WestJet introduced a flexible change and cancellation policy allowing eligible passengers travelling between July 30 and Aug. 6 to make a one-time change or cancellation without additional fees.
RELATED: WestJet Strike Over: Tentative Agreement Reached, Flight Recovery Begins
Industry observers say it will likely take several days before the airline's network is fully restored, particularly after the disruption coincided with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Stranded Travellers Search for a Way Home
At Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), passengers told CityNews they were still waiting for confirmed travel plans more than a day after the strike ended.
CTV News reports that some passengers have spent thousands of dollars booking hotels, rental cars and replacement flights after their travel plans were disrupted over the August long weekend. Several told the broadcaster they were still searching for a way home while trying to determine whether those expenses would be reimbursed.
RELATED: WestJet Offers Flexible Rebooking Ahead of Possible Flight Attendant Strike
Questions also remain about passenger rights. According to CityNews, Air Passenger Rights president Gábor Lukács said airlines must provide travellers with a meaningful rebooking. If an airline cannot do so within a reasonable timeframe, passengers may be able to make their own travel arrangements and later seek reimbursement, depending on the circumstances.
While recovery efforts continue, WestJet says passengers travelling through Aug. 6 can make a one-time change or cancellation to eligible bookings without paying additional fees. Flights have already resumed at several airports, including St. John's International Airport (YYT), where normal service is gradually returning following the labour disruption.
WestJet has advised travellers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport as recovery continues. The tentative agreement with CUPE Local 8125 still requires ratification by union members.
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