Swoop Suspends All International Flights, Commits to Bringing Home 2,349 Canadian Travellers

CALGARY, March 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Swoop is altering its international operations to help with the global efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. At the end of the operating day on Sunday, March 22, Swoop is suspending all international and transborder flights and will begin its efforts to bring home the 2,349 Swoop travellers who are currently outside of Canada. This suspension will be in place until May 31, 2020.

"These are extraordinary times, and we want to be sure our Swoop travellers are safe at home in Canada," says Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial, Swoop. "Our priority is to bring Canadian travellers home, ensuring the safety of our travellers, crew and aircraft. We have put these suspensions and subsequent repatriation efforts in place to continue to deliver on that."

On Monday, March 23, extra flights will begin operating for those Canadians abroad. There will be a total of 15 flights operating over three days to repatriate 2,349 Swoop travellers to Canada.

Impacted travellers are being contacted via email with more specific information on how to re-book on these repatriation flights, as well as how to cancel any upcoming international travel.  

"As a result of how quickly the COVID-19 outbreak is changing demand for international air travel, we are in constant communication with our travellers through our various channels. We apologize for longer than average response times as we work through these changes," van der Stege states.

Swoop is committed to helping Canadians get to where they need to be, whether that be coming home to Canada or for travel within the domestic network. The airline prides itself on making all seats available at fair fares to support Canadians through these unsettling times.  

About Swoop  

Established in 2018, Swoop is Canada's leading ultra-low-cost airline, independently operated as part of the WestJet Group of companies, offering point-to-point scheduled service to 17 destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Swoop offers completely unbundled products and services, creating the unique opportunity for travellers to control their costs and customize their experience by purchasing only the extras they desire. 

Swoop operates a modern fleet of nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Swoop's mobile app allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.   For more details on Swoop, visit FlySwoop.com. 

SOURCE Swoop

For Swoop media relations, please contact: [email protected]