WestJet cuts flights to Winnipeg, adds non-stop flight to Cuba

London Community News

WestJet Airlines announced Monday (July 23) it is eliminating direct flights to Winnipeg out of London International Airport this fall. “That’s a disappointment,” said aiport president and chief executive officer Mike Seabrook. “But we have to be aware of the reality of the aviation and airline business. They have to be profitable on their routes.” WestJet has offered three flights daily from London to Winnipeg between November and the end of April, but that service will be discontinued this November. The airline is still offering daily flights to the Manitoba capital until the end of October, Seabrook said. Jennifer Sanford, a WestJet spokeswoman, said the Winnipeg “route will be re-evaluated for a return in the summer.” Seabrook said he was confident direct flights to Winnipeg from London will resume again next May and added the service change will only have a “small effect” on travellers, who will still be able to reach Winnipeg from London via flights to Calgary or Toronto. He also said the change will not affect any staffing levels at the airport. WestJet will also cut its daily evening flight to Calgary as of November, but the airline does that on a yearly basis, Seabrook said. “They run two a day to Calgary for six months during the summer period and they cut that back to one flight daily in the wintertime.” Sanford said the airline is also offering a few new destination routes come November. “This winter we are so pleased to announce new, non-stop weekly service to Varadero, Cuba from London,” she said in an email. “This service replaces the non-stop offering to Las Vegas offered last year.”