The Omicron variant and travel slowdown is forcing WestJet to cancel 20% of their flights through the end of February. The airline issued the following statement today (Tuesday, Feb. 18): “In response to the Omicron variant affecting staffing levels and the prolonged impact of government barriers on our business, WestJet has made the difficult decision to consolidate 20% of its scheduled flights from February 1 through to February 28, 2022. These reductions are in addition to WestJet’s January flight consolidation announcement,” which saw 15% of flights cancelled for the month. “As we continue to navigate the unpredictability of the Omicron Read more
travel restrictions
In yet another blow for Canadians wishing to travel, and for the Canadian travel industry, Canada has been removed from the European Union’s Safe Travel list. The EU regularly updates its list of countries that are safe for travel into Europe. Their latest update, which took place on Monday, Feb. 17, removed Canada from that list, as well as Argentina and Australia. “Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU, the Council updated the list of countries, special administrative regions and other entities and territorial authorities for which Read more
A published report says senior U.S. politicians last week urged President Joe Biden to keep the border open to fully vaccinated Canadians. The joint, bipartisan letter to Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has sparked speculation about whether Canada or the U.S. have plans to shutter the border again, said the Niagara Independent. “Maintaining an open border to vaccinated travelers has been essential to the functioning economy of New York State and to the wellbeing of New York families,” read the letter, penned by U.S. senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Western New York congressmen Brian Higgins and Chris Jacobs. Read more
It’s a day of mixed messages when it comes to world travel. Here’s a roundup of some of today’s headlines. JAPAN SHUTS DOORS THROUGH FEBRUARY Japan will maintain its tight entry restrictions to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 until the end of February, the prime minister said on Tuesday, though some exceptions for humanitarian reasons may be considered, Reuters reports. “Japan adopted some of the strictest border controls in the world when the Omicron variant emerged late last year, banning all new entry by non-Japanese people, including students and foreign family members of Japanese or permanent Read more
Canada is back in the bad books for U.S. travellers, and it’s going to hurt Canadian businesses. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Canada back at level four in their travel warning system, which is the highest level and indicates “very high” COVID-19 numbers. Canada was in level four for parts of the pandemic, but then dropped to level three when Canadian COVID cases dropped last year. “We are obviously disappointed with this,” Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said in an email to jimbyerstravel.com. “Canada is a big destination Read more
