Flight cancellations mount as Canadian airlines struggle with staff shortages

Canadian airlines are slashing their flight schedules as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on air industry plans and profits. Transat is nixing nearly 30% of its flights for the next two months. The tour operator said the ongoing impact of the Omicron variant and the federal government's "restrictive measures" last month have triggered a wave of trip cancellations by passengers. On Dec. 15, the Public Health Agency of Canada advised against non-essential travel abroad. Transat's slimmed-down flight schedule is in place Thursday through Feb. 25, though the Montreal-based company says more changes may be necessary. Air Canada said in a flight advisory Wednesday it is suspending flights to at least 14 Caribbean destinations "in light of the current pandemic context," effective Jan. 24 through April 30. The Montreal-based company cancelled 11 per cent of all flights Thursday and 10 per cent Wednesday -- 87 trips in total, according to tracking service FlightAware. Air Canada Rouge called off 14% of its flights Wednesday. And regional carrier Jazz Aviation, which partners with Air Canada, cancelled 16% and 14% Wednesday and Thursday respectively, or 155 flights in all. Air Canada said all travellers impacted by the Caribbean route suspensions will receive a full refund. The move comes a week after WestJet cut 15% of its scheduled flights through to the end of January, citing a high proportion of flight crews calling in sick due to Omicron.<br/>