Sunwing Halts May Services, Signals Transition to

Sunwing Confirms No Flights in May as WestJet Merger Reshapes Travel Landscape

Toronto, May 2025* — In a significant development for Canadian travelers, Sunwing Airlines has officially confirmed that it will operate no commercial flights throughout May 2025. The temporary suspension of services comes amid the continued integration of Sunwing’s operations into WestJet Airlines, which acquired the low-cost leisure carrier in May 2023.

The announcement, while not entirely unexpected, has raised questions and concerns among travelers, travel agents, and industry analysts alike, as one of Canada’s most prominent vacation carriers steps further back from the skies in the lead-up to full consolidation with WestJet.

### Background: A Strategic Acquisition

WestJet’s acquisition of Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations was finalized on May 1, 2023, after months of regulatory scrutiny and public debate. The Canadian government gave the green light in March 2023, setting the stage for a historic shift in the country’s aviation sector. The merger was positioned as a way to enhance competition and expand affordable travel options, particularly for leisure travelers and those in Eastern Canada.

Initially, both carriers continued operating independently while back-end systems and regulatory processes were aligned. However, the long-term plan has always included a full operational merger, including integrating fleets, staff, scheduling, and customer service platforms.

In early 2024, WestJet announced that Sunwing’s fleet would be gradually transitioned to operate under WestJet’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). That transition, originally slated to complete by the end of 2024, was delayed and is now scheduled for April 27, 2025—just ahead of the peak summer travel season.

### No Flights in May: The Confirmation

On May 1, 2025, Sunwing quietly confirmed via its website and travel partner networks that it would operate no commercial flights for the entire month of May. A brief statement cited the ongoing merger process and preparation for summer scheduling under WestJet as key reasons for the pause.

“To ensure a seamless transition and deliver the best possible experience under the WestJet Group, Sunwing will not operate flights during May 2025. Customers are encouraged to explore options through WestJet.com or contact their travel advisor,” the statement read.

This announcement leaves a temporary service gap for many travelers, especially in Ontario and Quebec, who have traditionally relied on Sunwing for affordable packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida.

### Impact on Travelers

The immediate consequence of this suspension is disruption for those who had already booked vacation packages with Sunwing. While most customers have reportedly been offered rebooking options through WestJet or full refunds, some have expressed frustration over limited alternative flights and higher prices during rebooking.

“I booked a trip to Cancun through Sunwing for mid-May. Now I’m being told to rebook through WestJet, but prices have nearly doubled,” said Sarah Montoya, a traveler from Toronto. “It’s frustrating because I chose Sunwing for the value.”

Travel agents have also been navigating the changes with a mix of understanding and concern. “We’ve been informed of this for a few weeks now, but it’s still disappointing for clients. Many count on Sunwing’s direct flights and affordable packages,” said Melinda Cheng, a travel consultant in Mississauga.

Some customers, however, are more understanding of the long-term vision. “If this leads to better service and more route options under WestJet, I think it’ll be worth it. It’s just a bit bumpy right now,” said Daniel Robichaud, a frequent flyer from Montreal.

The WestJet Group has indicated that Sunwing-branded flights will cease to exist as a separate operation by the summer of 2025. Sunwing’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft will be fully absorbed into WestJet’s operations, and its vacation packaging arm will continue under the WestJet Vacations umbrella.

WestJet President Alexis von Hoensbroech reiterated in a recent press release that the integration is part of a broader effort to “build a stronger, more resilient leisure travel network for Canadians.” He noted that the combination of Sunwing’s vacation planning expertise and WestJet’s operational scale would benefit consumers in the long run.

“Our goal is to create a travel experience that combines the value of Sunwing with the reliability and network reach of WestJet,” von Hoensbroech said. “We recognize that transitions can be difficult, but we are committed to making this as smooth as possible.”

### Industry Analysis

Aviation analysts say the consolidation is reflective of broader trends in the airline industry, particularly in North America, where rising costs and increased competition have pushed airlines toward mergers and alliances.

“This is a classic example of strategic consolidation,” said Robert Becker, a senior aviation analyst at AeroGlobal Insights. “Sunwing’s strength has always been its leisure market share, especially in Eastern Canada, while WestJet is stronger in the west and has a more diversified route network. The merger allows for more streamlined operations and better use of aircraft.”

However, critics warn that fewer independent carriers could reduce consumer choice and potentially lead to higher fares in the long term.

“There is a concern about market concentration,” said aviation policy expert Marie-Claire Fournier. “If Sunwing disappears as a standalone brand, that’s one less competitor in a country that already has limited options outside the major players.”

### Conclusion

As Sunwing temporarily grounds its fleet in May 2025, the Canadian travel industry finds itself in a period of adjustment. The promise of a more integrated, value-driven WestJet-led leisure travel offering may ultimately benefit consumers—but not without short-term disruption and growing pains.

Travelers are advised to check their bookings, explore rebooking options early, and keep an eye on announcements from WestJet regarding new summer routes and vacation packages. As Sunwing prepares to take its final bow as a standalone airline, its legacy will live on—just under a different name, and with a broader reach.