WestJet forced to deal with delays due to U.S. government shutdown
Posted Jan 25, 2019 3:17 pm.
Last Updated Jan 25, 2019 3:18 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The U.S. government shutdown was a major headache for some Canadian air travellers looking to move around the east coast on Friday.
Calgary-based WestJet was forced to cancel three flights between Toronto and La Guardia Airport in New York due to lengthy delays on the American side of the border.
They were quick to issue a statement about the cancellations and delays they were experiencing.
“We are appreciative of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the air traffic control system who assist in the safe movement of our aircraft each day.
This is a most unfortunate situation that our ATC partners find themselves in and it’s our hope that the parties involved can resolve the situation as quick as possible.”
Spokesperson Lauren Stewart tells 660 NEWS they posted an updated travel advisory on the website and have been advising U.S. travellers to arrive at the terminal at least three hours before their flight.
They’re also asking people to check the status of their flight before they leave for the airport.
Air Canada also posted on its website that it too was seeing the same delays and cancellations out of La Guardia.
The airline amended its booking policy for the day allowing affected customers to change their travel plans without penalty, space permitting.
Meanwhile, officials at YYC Calgary International Airport say things are operating pretty smoothly and they haven’t experienced anything similar in the way of delays.
“The majority of U.S. flights are departing mostly on-time today, with only a few delays. We always recommend travellers get the latest information on their travels by keeping in touch with their airline or on our website at yyc.com,” spokesperson Reid Feist said.
