Expert predicts potential increase in airfares following WestJet flight cancellations due to Calgary hailstorm

August 8, 2024 TruthUSA

An aviation expert warns that airfares may rise following a destructive hailstorm in Calgary. The storm damaged WestJet planes, resulting in flight cancellations and disruptions to travel plans.

Hailstones the size of golf balls pounded the tarmac, leading WestJet to ground 10% of its fleet for extensive repairs and inspections.

WestJet had to cancel 248 flights between Monday and Wednesday and anticipates reducing travel across its network in the coming days.

Barry Prentice, from the University of Manitoba’s transport institute, believes the reduced operations by WestJet will likely increase demand at other airlines and cause ticket prices to rise as we enter peak summer travel season.

In the long term, Prentice suggests that more extreme weather patterns could raise airline expenses, including maintenance and insurance costs, which may be reflected in higher fares for passengers.

Customers affected by flight cancellations due to the hailstorm are eligible for a refund or rebooking at no extra cost if an alternate reservation couldn’t be arranged within 48 hours.