Canada’s transport regulator has directed WestJet to remove its weight cap on power wheelchairs, calling the policy an “undue barrier” for travellers living with disabilities. The Calgary-based airline previously enforced a limit that could effectively exclude some mobility aids from being flown, the regulator indicated.
The directive comes as part of the regulator’s assessment of how airlines accommodate passengers who rely on mobility devices. WestJet must abolish the weight cap before July 2027, according to the order. The action aims to ensure travellers with disabilities face fewer barriers when flying with power wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
The regulator’s mandate emphasizes ensuring accessibility and equal treatment for passengers who require mobility devices. While the specifics of the weight limit are not detailed in the summary, the regulator’s stance frames the cap as a significant obstacle to travel for affected individuals.
WestJet, headquartered in Calgary, has not publicly detailed the changes it will implement beyond removing the weight restriction. The ruling underscores a broader regulatory push to review airline policies that may disproportionately impact people with disabilities.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between airline operational policies and accessibility commitments. The regulator’s decision to require removal of the weight cap signals an emphasis on removing practical barriers to air travel for disabled passengers.
Questions remain regarding how the removal will be implemented across WestJet’s fleet and what procedures will replace the weight limit to ensure safe loading and stability of mobility devices. The regulator’s order notes the need for clear timelines and compliance, with July 2027 as the deadline for full implementation.
As the industry moves toward greater accessibility, the WestJet action may set a precedent for how other carriers address weight and size restrictions on power wheelchairs. The regulator’s statement frames the change as a critical step toward equal access to air travel for all Canadians.
