Travel interest to the United States has significantly decreased, leading to WestJet’s decision to suspend flights to Kelowna, British Columbia.
According to a statement released by WestJet on Tuesday, the airline will be suspending flights to and from Kelowna International Airport starting on November 4. This decision comes as a result of low travel demand to the United States, particularly to popular destinations such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.
The airline stated that the suspension will be in effect until at least May 4, 2021, and that affected passengers will be contacted and provided with options for rebooking or refunds.
This news comes as a blow to the tourism industry in Kelowna, which heavily relies on visitors from the United States. The city’s tourism board, Tourism Kelowna, expressed disappointment in the decision but acknowledged the current challenges faced by the travel industry.
In a statement, Tourism Kelowna CEO Lisanne Ballantyne said, “We understand the difficult decision made by WestJet and the impact it will have on our local economy. However, we remain optimistic and are working closely with our partners to promote safe and responsible travel to Kelowna.”
The decrease in travel interest to the United States can be attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the border restrictions in place. The United States currently has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, with over 8 million confirmed cases and over 220,000 deaths.
WestJet’s decision to suspend flights to Kelowna is in line with their efforts to adjust their flight schedule to meet current travel demand. The airline has also reduced its international flights by 80% and domestic flights by 70% compared to last year.
Passengers who have booked flights to Kelowna with WestJet during the suspension period are advised to check the airline’s website for updates and contact the airline for rebooking or refund options.
As the travel industry continues to navigate through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, it is important for travelers to stay informed and follow all necessary safety measures when planning and embarking on trips.
