A cancelled WestJet Encore flight from Calgary to Nanaimo has cost the company $70,000 in administrative fines after passengers were not provided suitable accommodations, food or drinks. (Image Credit: Liam Allport)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

stiff penalty

WestJet fined $70,000 after late-night cancellation of Calgary-Nanaimo flight

Mar 14, 2026 | 9:20 AM

NANAIMO — National air carrier WestJet is facing a notable fine following complications for a February 2025 flight between Calgary and Nanaimo.

The Canadian Transportation Agency levied the $70,000 fine against the company for violating the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) on WestJet Encore’s scheduled flight WS3103, which was due to leave Calgary around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2025 and arrive in Nanaimo shortly after midnight.

As part of its notice, the Agency ruled, “WestJet committed 16 violations of subsection 14(1)(a) of the APPR by failing to provide passengers affected by the delay and subsequent cancellation”, nor were food and drink “in reasonable quantities” offered.

They added the company did not take “into account the length of the wait, the time of the day, and the location of the passengers.”

WestJet were also found to have committed 19 violations of another subsection of the APPR “by failing to offer passengers affected by the delay and cancellation of that same flight, hotel or other comparable accommodation that is reasonable in relation to the location of the passengers.”

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It notes passengers were effectively left to themselves to arrange accommodation and transportation while waiting overnight for another flight.

WestJet has until April 7 to file an appeal of the fines.

If they choose to dispute the report, the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada would hear the case.

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