WestJet will be offering direct flights from Fredericton to Calgary starting June 20, marking its return to the city after leaving in 2022. The CEO of Fredericton International Airport, Johanne Gallant, expressed optimism about the strong market for people wanting to travel to Alberta. This new service will provide direct access to Western Canada, filling a gap left by the now-defunct Lynx Air, which offered semi-direct flights to Calgary in the past. Despite Lynx Air’s closure, there is still a demand for flights to Western Canada, according to Gallant.
The return of WestJet to Fredericton is expected to benefit not just business travelers, but also individuals looking to visit family or explore new destinations. The CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Peters, highlighted the strong business connections between Calgary and Fredericton and noted that the new flights will enhance face-to-face networking opportunities. Additionally, travelers like Ethan McClellan, who was born in Fredericton, see the convenience of direct flights to Calgary as a positive development, making travel less time-consuming. However, cost remains a consideration for travelers like McClellan, especially when planning to bring along family members.
The WestJet flights from Fredericton to Calgary are currently priced between $368 and $420, with flights scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 20 to Oct. 24. Andy Gibbons, the vice-president of WestJet’s external affairs, expressed a commitment to further expansion beyond the initial schedule, emphasizing the company’s growth plans in Atlantic Canada. The introduction of direct flights to Calgary is seen as a response to the increasing demand for travel options within Canada and to popular sun destinations.
Sunwing Airlines, which WestJet acquired in May 2023, already offers southbound flights at the Fredericton International Airport, but the addition of direct flights to Calgary provides passengers with more travel choices. The closure of Lynx Air, known for its low-cost flights, left a void that WestJet is now looking to fill with its new service. Gallant highlighted the variety of destinations that people are seeking, including trips out west or to sun destinations, contributing to the uptick in demand for flights. With WestJet’s focus on meeting the needs of the community, the airline aims to cater to the growing interest in different travel options.
Overall, the introduction of direct flights from Fredericton to Calgary by WestJet represents a significant development for travelers in the region. The return of WestJet to the city is expected to enhance connectivity between Fredericton and Western Canada, offering more convenience and flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. As the demand for travel options within Canada continues to rise, WestJet’s expansion plans in Atlantic Canada demonstrate a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of passengers. The new flights are seen as a positive step towards increasing accessibility and fostering greater connections between different regions of the country.
