WestJet Ceases Lethbridge-Calgary Flights, Ending YQL Commercial Service
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WestJet will end its Lethbridge-Calgary service on June 24, citing insufficient demand and leaving the southern Alberta airport without a commercial carrier.
Key Takeaways
- •Ends Lethbridge (YQL) to Calgary (YYC) service effective June 24, 2026.
- •Cites insufficient passenger demand as the primary reason for the cancellation.
- •Leaves Lethbridge Airport without any commercial airline service after Air Canada's 2020 exit.
- •Follows a passenger traffic decline at YQL from over 104,000 in 2019 to 42,000 in 2023.
WestJet has announced the termination of its service between Lethbridge Airport (YQL) and Calgary International Airport (YYC), with the final flight scheduled for June 24, 2026. The decision leaves the southern Alberta city without any commercial airline service, a significant blow to regional connectivity and economic development. The airline cited insufficient passenger demand as the primary reason for the route cancellation.
The announcement, made on February 24, 2026, has prompted concern from local officials who were caught off guard. "This took us by complete surprise," stated Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen at a press conference. The withdrawal of WestJet (WS), currently the only commercial airline at YQL, follows the departure of Air Canada, which ceased its Lethbridge operations in early 2020. This leaves the community reliant on ground transportation for connections to major hubs.
Declining Demand and Economic Impact
According to a WestJet spokesperson, demand for the short-haul flight, which has an approximate duration of 56 minutes, was deemed insufficient to maintain viability. "The decision to end air service is never taken lightly, and we understand this is disappointing news for the two communities," the spokesperson said, apologizing for the potential impact.
Data from Lethbridge Airport underscores the challenge of falling passenger numbers. According to city data, passenger traffic at YQL fell from 104,078 in 2019 to just 42,034 in 2023. This sharp decline illustrates the post-pandemic recovery struggles faced by many regional airports. Mayor Hyggen acknowledged the commercial reality, remarking, "I’ve mentioned this to quite a few folks that if you don’t use it, you lose it."
The service cut is particularly impactful given recent capital improvements at the airport. Between 2019 and 2023, the City of Lethbridge, along with provincial and federal governments, invested over $23 million in airport renovations. These upgrades were intended to attract and retain air service, making the cancellation a significant setback for the city's strategic transportation goals.
Broader Industry Trends
WestJet's decision reflects a wider trend affecting the Canadian aviation industry, where major carriers are optimizing networks and shifting towards larger aircraft that are more economical on a per-seat basis. This industry change, as noted by Lethbridge airport officials, creates challenges for sustaining high-frequency routes to smaller communities. In a prior operational adjustment, WestJet had already reduced the Lethbridge service from three daily flights to one, albeit using a larger 78-seat aircraft to try and maintain viability.
Regional airports across Canada remain vulnerable to such cuts. Air Canada has similarly reduced its domestic network, closing operations at eight regional airports in recent years. These decisions, driven by data on passenger volume and cost-per-seat, highlight the precarious balance between airline profitability and the essential connectivity airports provide for smaller economic centers.
What Comes Next
With the final WestJet flight departing in June, the City of Lethbridge is now focused on finding alternative carriers. Mayor Hyggen confirmed that the city will explore other options to restore commercial air links. As part of this effort, the city is actively collecting origin and destination travel data to build a business case for attracting new airline partners. He emphasized the airport's role as an economic driver for the community, noting its importance for private aircraft, a flight training school, and medical evacuation (medivac) services.
However, the loss of commercial traffic will have a significant effect on the airport's operations and the region's economy until a new carrier can be secured. The Lethbridge Airport (YQL) Official Website continues to provide information on current airport services.
Why This Matters
This route cancellation exemplifies the ongoing struggle for regional airports in a post-pandemic landscape. It highlights the conflict between airline network optimization strategies and the critical need for air connectivity in smaller Canadian communities. For Lethbridge, the loss of its last commercial air link directly impacts business travel, tourism, and overall economic development, demonstrating the systemic vulnerability of regional transportation infrastructure.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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