Westjet, Canada’s second largest airline, announced Friday temporary layoffs of as many as 1,000 staff as demand for flights dropped off with the sudden introduction of stricter Canadian entry rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The carrier said it will have to cut 230 flights per week in February and March, reducing its capacity by almost one-third, citing “volatile demand” and “instability in the face of continuing federal government travel advisories and restrictions.”
As of Thursday, air travellers have been required to show a negative test for the COVID-19 illness before being allowed to board a flight to Canada. They must also quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
“Immediately following
