WestJet Ends Southern Alberta Regional Service in June 2026

WestJet is set to cease all scheduled commercial flights to two southern Alberta cities, announcing it will end service to Lethbridge Airport (YQL) and Medicine Hat Airport (YXH) effective June 24, 2026. The decision leaves both municipalities without service from a major Canadian carrier and marks a significant setback for regional connectivity and local economic development initiatives.

The withdrawal by WestJet Encore, the airline's regional subsidiary, follows a similar move by Air Canada's regional carrier, which ended its service to both cities in early 2020. WestJet's exit underscores a persistent industry trend of network consolidation around major hubs, which has increasingly challenged the viability of air service in smaller Canadian markets. In a statement, the airline cited insufficient passenger demand as the primary driver for the decision, stating that despite efforts to support viability, demand was not adequate to sustain the routes.

Declining Passenger Volumes and Service Reductions

The decision was preceded by service adjustments aimed at improving route performance. In 2024, WestJet had already reduced its daily frequency in both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat from three flights to one, although it deployed larger De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 aircraft in an attempt to consolidate demand. However, passenger volumes failed to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

According to a City of Lethbridge Standing Policy Committee Report, passenger traffic at YQL was 38,000 in the most recent reporting year, a stark decline from nearly 105,000 passengers in 2019. More recent data from the City of Lethbridge shows just over 40,000 people travelled by air in 2023. Similarly, the airport manager in Medicine Hat stated that passenger loads last year were two-thirds lower than in 2019. This persistent low demand ultimately rendered the routes unsustainable for WestJet.

Economic Impact and Community Response

The loss of commercial air service represents a considerable blow to the economic strategies of both cities, which have invested in their municipally owned airports as catalysts for growth. Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen emphasized the role of airports in community development, stating, "You build a community, and larger communities and communities our size are built on infrastructure like airports. … It puts a community at the next level."

For Medicine Hat, the challenge is compounded by significant passenger leakage to larger airports. Local data indicates that residents living within 60km of the city took 375,000 air trips last year, but only about 10% of those departed from YXH. This suggests a substantial base of potential travelers exists, but they are opting to drive to larger hubs like Calgary for better pricing or more direct routes. Medicine Hat deputy mayor Chris Hellman expressed a desire to find a solution, stating, "We want to find a situation that is workable for our citizens as well as for an air carrier to be profitable."

Broader Industry Context

WestJet's withdrawal from YQL and YXH is consistent with broader shifts in the North American airline industry. A report presented to Lethbridge city council highlighted a sector-wide trend where airlines are retiring smaller, less efficient aircraft and concentrating services on high-yield routes connecting major hubs. This strategy often leaves smaller regional airports with reduced or no service. The move also aligns with WestJet's recent network adjustments, which included a confirmed 10% reduction in its full-year transborder (Canada-U.S.) flying schedule due to shifting demand patterns.

Despite the loss of passenger service, airport operations will continue. At Medicine Hat, WestJet flights accounted for only two per cent of total aircraft movements, suggesting that general aviation, training, and other activities form the bulk of airport traffic. Lethbridge Airport similarly saw its highest aircraft movement in the last reporting year with nearly 35,000 takeoffs and landings, indicating robust non-commercial aviation activity. Officials in both cities remain hopeful about attracting new carriers. "The demand is there," said Medicine Hat airport manager Logan Boyd. "We anticipate a lot of curiosity and interest in conversations ahead with carriers."

Why This Matters

This route cancellation exemplifies the growing challenge smaller communities face in retaining scheduled air service as major airlines optimize networks for profitability. The decision highlights the tension between regional economic ambitions and the financial realities of post-pandemic airline operations. For southern Alberta, it creates a significant connectivity gap and forces civic leaders to explore new models for attracting and sustaining essential air links.

From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.