WestJet unveils 2022 summer schedule; 94% of pre-pandemic routes restored

The WestJet Group says its network will return to near pre-pandemic levels with the unveiling of its 2022 summer schedule, which was announced Monday (March 14).  

Making “significant investments” in its transatlantic network, WestJet will offer many connections to Europe this summer, with more non-stop service options across the country from Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax.

The airline is also launching new, daily service between Toronto and Chicago beginning May 19, 2022.

"We know Canadians are ready to make their highly anticipated return to travel this summer, so whether it's reconnecting with friends and family, or taking that long overdue trip, we are here to help our guests make up for lost time," said John Weatherill, chief commercial officer, WestJet. "The aviation industry is a formidable economic engine and the investments we have made across Canada and internationally affirm our commitment to restoring connectivity across our expansive global network, while doing our part to expedite Canada's economic recovery."

At its peak this summer, WestJet will serve 43 domestic, 23 transborder, 16 Caribbean and eight transatlantic destinations, restoring 94 per cent of its pre-pandemic routes with more than 600 daily departures network wide.

Complementing this, low-cost carrier Swoop, which is part of the WestJet Group, previously announced expansion plans for its domestic network in preparation for Canada's upcoming summer season.

Restoring transatlantic connectivity

This summer, WestJet is restoring transatlantic connections across the country and significantly reinvesting in the Atlantic Gateway, bringing back international connectivity to Atlantic Canada with increased service between Halifax to Paris, London, Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Additionally, the airline will re-introduce connectivity to the Eternal City with non-stop service between Rome, Italy and its home hub in Calgary.

"Our guests have long awaited a return to international travel," said Weatherill. "These routes create a significant visitor pipeline from Europe and demonstrate WestJet's commitment to leading the travel and tourism industry's recovery."

Here's a glance at the routes, frequencies and start dates: 

Alberta returns to pre-pandemic levels 

WestJet will restore service levels across Alberta to pre-pandemic levels with more than 180 daily departures from both Calgary and Edmonton this summer. 

WestJet's investments in transatlantic flying from Calgary International Airport will see the airline increase the critical tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe by 43 per cent when compared to 2019, supported by new routes and increased non-stop options to London Gatwick, Paris and Dublin.

"The restoration of our Alberta network marks a major milestone in WestJet and the province's recovery as we rebuild our network and strengthen critical connections to global hubs and business economies," said Weatherill.

Alberta's service:

• Calgary: 142 daily departures, 35 domestic, 16 transborder and eight international destinations
• Edmonton: 38 daily departures, 15 domestic and two transborder destinations

New Toronto-Chicago service

"We are also thrilled to provide daily non-stop service between Toronto and Chicago, two dynamic global cities," said Weatherill.  "Whether travelling for business or leisure, this new route provides guests with increased options to discover these two vibrant cities or seamlessly connect to their chosen destination via our expansive network."

Enhancing Toronto's European connectivity

This summer, WestJet is restoring transatlantic connectivity across the country and adding more convenient and affordable non-stop options from Toronto to five European destinations: Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Gatwick.

"Our guests have long awaited a return to international travel," said Weatherill. "These routes create a significant visitor pipeline from Europe and demonstrate WestJet's commitment to leading the travel and tourism industry's recovery."

Here's a breakdown of what's to come: 

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