Medicine Hat seeks new carrier to restore air service as WestJet prepares to end regional flights

Jun 22, 2026 | 6:52 PM

The City of Medicine Hat is working to restore scheduled commercial air service at Medicine Hat Regional Airport following WestJet’s planned exit on Wednesday, June 24, while pursuing a new carrier amid provincial support and ongoing industry engagement.

City officials said work is already underway to secure a replacement carrier, while also noting support from the province as a key factor in the process.

The Government of Alberta has issued a request for expressions of interest from airlines, with submissions due July 6, 2026.

The city says the region generates about 705,000 air trips annually within 150 kilometres of Medicine Hat and roughly 379,000 within 60 kilometres.

In a recent survey of more than 700 residents, 94 per cent said local air service is important. In 2019, the airport handled about 75,000 passengers a year and roughly 50 flights per week.

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The city estimates regional air service supported about $16.7 million in annual GDP over five years, and said it has invested more than $25 million in airport infrastructure upgrades since 2013.

Officials said they are actively marketing the airport to carriers, holding meetings, and working with regional partners and other levels of government as part of its Airport Strategic Plan focused on improving connectivity and economic competitiveness.

Councillor Yusuf Mohammed, chair of the development and infrastructure committee, says Medicine Hat is “open for business” and working to secure new regional air service, pointing to strong local demand and recent provincial support as key factors in restoring air connections.

The city says it remains confident that scheduled air service can be restored for southeast Alberta.

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READ: WestJet to cancel flight service with Calgary for Medicine Hat and Lethbridge (Feb 24, 2026)

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat seeks new carrier to restore air service as WestJet prepares to end regional flights

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