WestJet cancels dozens of flights after hailstorm damaged 10% of its fleet

WestJet has had to ground 10% of its fleet following a damaging hailstorm that impacted several aircraft, particularly affecting their fuselage and flight control surfaces. This situation has resulted in approximately 50 flight cancellations daily throughout August. The airline has communicated that repairs will require weeks due to the need for specialized equipment and materials. Diederik Pen, the airline's COO, emphasized the priority of safety and the airline's commitment to restoring operations swiftly and securely. To manage the situation, WestJet is canceling flights proactively to minimize last-minute disruptions for passengers. They are also looking into alternatives, such as increasing services through WestJet Encore and partnering with Canadian North to alleviate some of the cancellations. While the airport chaos is expected to last, WestJet hopes that a gradual reduction in cancellations will occur as planes are repaired and brought back into service. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status frequently and to allow extra time for their journeys. From a transportation expert perspective, the proactive measures taken by WestJet illustrate a vital practice in crisis management within the aviation sector. Frequent communication with passengers and strategic partnerships can alleviate some travel disruptions. However, this incident also highlights the vulnerability of airlines to extreme weather events, underscoring the need for better risk management strategies and infrastructure improvements to withstand such incidents in the future.