WestJet CEO's Outburst: Canada's Air Travel Costs Crippled by Government Policy

WestJet CEO Slams Canada's Air Travel Policy: 'Fundamentally Wrong to Treat Air Travel as a Luxury' Calgary, AB – May 28, 2025 – In a speech to a Calgary business audience, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech launched a scathing critique of the Canadian government's approach to air travel. He contends that the government's policies unfairly burden the airline industry with excessive costs, ultimately impacting consumers and hindering national unity. "We need to build Canada — now even more than in the past — and aviation plays a key role," von Hoensbroech stated. Von Hoensbroech highlighted the stark contrast between airfare in Canada and the United States. He cited a significant difference in round-trip ticket prices, attributing the disparity to various fees and taxes imposed on Canadian airlines. These costs, he emphasized, are directly passed on to passengers, making air travel less accessible for many Canadians. He pointed out that the government subsidizes other forms of transportation, such as ferries and passenger rail, but not air travel. Deborah Yedlin, from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, added a positive perspective, noting the upcoming G7 meetings in Calgary will likely boost air traffic and benefit the city's economy. "Calgary's going to be on the map," she said, expressing excitement about the potential for increased air travel through the Calgary airport. WestJet's recent acquisition of Sunwing and plans to introduce new aircraft further underscore the company's commitment to expanding Canada's air travel network. While the CEO's criticism of the government's policies is sharp, the overall outlook remains hopeful for increased connectivity and economic growth within Canada.