WestJet trims flights between Penticton and Calgary amid oil patch downturn

PENTICTON – The economic downturn in the oil patch is starting to resonate in Penticton.

WestJet air service in and out of Penticton Regional Airport to Calgary will be reduced from twice daily flights to a single flight daily and two flights three days per week.

WestJet media relations spokesperson Lauren Stewart says the airline’s flight WS3280 from Penticton to Calgary and WS3281 from Calgary to Penticton will operate daily, while WS3132 from Penticton to Calgary will operate Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Calgary to Penticton flight WS3276 will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Stewart says the airline has adjusted service in the past in order to operate effectively and efficiently while meeting the needs of their passengers. She says the changes will still allow passengers to connect to other WestJet flights.

“With the downturn in the economy, we are seeing less demand for travel to and from energy markets into areas across Canada, including Penticton,” Stewart says.

WestJet has cut flights in other cities as well, including Kamloops, where the daily direct flight to and from Edmonton is being cancelled. Kelowna's airport has also seen a decrease in oil patch commuters, resulting in WestJet suspending daily service to and from Fort McMurray.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.