Canadian airline WestJet is facing serious accusations of deliberately swapping well-maintained aircraft for those requiring repairs in a bid to avoid compensating passengers for delayed or cancelled flights. According to reports, passengers were denied $1,000 in compensation after their flights were cancelled due to what the airline described as “unscheduled maintenance required for safety” following an aircraft swap.
Pattern of Alleged Misconduct
Flight records reportedly show that WestJet replaced original aircraft with planes that had been grounded, only to cancel the flights almost immediately, citing safety reasons. Dozens of passengers have come forward with similar experiences, leading to accusations of dishonesty and unethical practices against the carrier. Gábor Lukács, founder of Air Passenger Rights, described the pattern as “fraud,” and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is now investigating the allegations. The CTA had previously ruled against WestJet in a similar case in 2022.
Airline's Response
In a statement to CBC Go Public, WestJet defended its actions, stating that aircraft swaps are sometimes necessary to minimize “disruption for the greatest number of guests overall.” However, critics argue that this practice unfairly deprives passengers of their legal entitlements. The investigation continues to unfold, with many affected travelers seeking justice and compensation.
