WestJet cuts Lethbridge flights to one per day, raising travel concerns for southern Alberta communities

Despite millions spent on recent renovations at Lethbridge Airport, the city’s only commercial carrier, WestJet, has reduced its service to just one daily flight, a move that has raised concerns for southern Alberta residents who rely on air links to Edmonton and Calgary for business, family travel, and medical appointments.

WestJet had planned to scale back operations to a single flight starting October 3, but the change took effect slightly earlier. “We’ve got a schedule change that’s kind of started a little bit early, as of Oct. 1,” said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet’s director of alliances and airport affairs.

Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen said the airport upgrades in recent years were intended to attract more routes and boost local economic activity. “This is disappointing for a city that invested heavily to expand air connectivity,” he said, adding that reduced service will limit opportunities for residents and businesses across southern Alberta.

WestJet said the change reflects broader challenges affecting regional air travel, not just Lethbridge. The airline recently shifted from working with Pacific Coastal to operating WestJet Encore flights using Q400 aircraft, which seat 78 passengers — more than double the capacity of the older 34-seat planes.

In 2024, WestJet carried 35,000 passengers in and out of Lethbridge while offering 66,000 seats, meaning only about half of available seats were filled. The reduction, the airline says, aligns with current demand.

Community advocates in Edmonton and Calgary say the reduction underscores the growing regional gap in air connectivity, making smaller centres like Lethbridge increasingly dependent on long drives or connecting flights to access essential services in major cities.