WestJet suspends Winnipeg flights to L.A., Vegas and Orlando, reduces flights to Atlanta

WestJet has suspended or reduced four flights between Winnipeg and U.S. destinations amid reduced Canadian demand for travel south of the border and the depletion of a provincial flight subsidy fund.

Beginning June 1, WestJet flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles will be suspended, Winnipeg Airports Authority spokesperson Kerilee Falloon said Thursday. WestJet told CBC News the L.A. flight will resume Aug. 28.

Flights between Winnipeg and Orlando will be suspended in June, WestJet said. Flights between Winnipeg and Las Vegas will be suspended for July and August, while the frequency of flights between Winnipeg and Atlanta will be reduced to two per week from five per week, Falloon said.

In April, WestJet spokesperson Jen Booth said the airline was reviewing its Canada-U.S. flight schedule for the summer months "due to the changing demand surrounding travel to the United States."

WestJet has also announced more flights between Winnipeg and Halifax and a new direct flight to St. John's, both "to meet increased domestic and transatlantic travel demand," Booth said at the time.

WestJet spokesperson Josh Yeats said Thursday that review led to the changes of the four Winnipeg routes.

"All impacted guests have been reaccommodated through WestJet's existing network to reach their planned destinations," he said in a statement.

In April, Wab Kinew's NDP government confirmed it will not top up a depleted $4.8-million flight-subsidy fund that backstopped the Los Angeles and Atlanta routes.

The Manitoba film industry relies heavily on the Los Angeles connection, while Winnipeg businesses such as Price Industries have operations in the Atlanta area.

Lynne Skromeda, president and CEO of Manitoba Film and Music, said the temporary suspension of direct flights to Los Angeles is unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected. 

"The encouraging news is that Manitoba remains accessible, with alternative routes offering relatively short layovers," she said in a statement.

"We anticipate a strong and successful year for our industry, and we remain hopeful that direct service will resume as travel demand rebounds."

In April, Kinew government spokesperson Ryan Stelter said he was not aware of requests by the Winnipeg Airports Authority, WestJet or other entities to top up or extend subsidies for the Los Angeles and Atlanta flights.

The fund was started by Heather Stefanson's former PC government. The former premier is now a member of WestJet's board of directors.