WestJet commends House Committee’s recognition of Canada’s aviation cost challenges

WestJet today issued the following statement in response to the release of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities’ (TRAN) report, State of Airline Competition in Canada.

Many of the Committee’s findings echo what WestJet has long advocated: that affordability and competition in air travel are being held back by outdated policies, excessive fees, and regulatory burdens. We are encouraged by the Committee’s recommendations and see this as a pivotal moment to continue our collaboration with government to modernize Canada’s aviation framework.

WestJet strongly supports the Committee’s call to review all federal fees and charges that impact the aviation sector. These costs are ultimately borne by Canadian travellers and communities and addressing them is essential to unlocking more affordable fares and expanding access to air travel. We believe that a swift and comprehensive review of these charges will unleash a more competitive and consumer-friendly environment.

We also welcome the recommendation to reinvest airport rent back into airport infrastructure. This is a critical step toward strengthening Canada’s aviation ecosystem. By reinvesting in the very infrastructure that supports our operations, we can enhance passenger experience, improve efficiency, and ensure our airports remain globally competitive. WestJet is committed to working with government and airport authorities to ensure these investments deliver tangible benefits to Canadians.

Finally, we are pleased to see the Committee’s recognition of the need to review regulatory and administrative burdens on airlines. Streamlining these processes will allow carriers like WestJet to focus on what we do best—connecting Canadians and driving economic growth.

The Committee’s report outlines near-term actions that could improve air travel and deliver significant economic returns across the country. We are optimistic about the opportunity to collaborate with government to modernize the Canadian aviation ecosystem in a way that supports affordability, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness.