WestJet

WestJet maintains a strong safety standing within the aviation industry. AirlineRatings.com gives WestJet a commendable 7/7 safety rating. The airline has been recognized as one of the top 10 safest low-cost airlines by AirlineRatings.com for two consecutive years (as of January 2022) and received the "Best Low-Cost Airline – The Americas" award in 2018. Internally, WestJet also promotes a culture of safety through its "Safety Above All Award" for employees. In September 2025, WestJet accepted a 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline award, which is based on passenger feedback and insights.

Regarding regulatory compliance, WestJet adheres to stringent safety standards. The airline conducts regular maintenance checks that are compliant with regulations and based on both time and usage. Importantly, WestJet is not listed on the EU Air Safety List (often referred to as the EU Blacklist), which bans airlines with significant safety deficiencies from operating within European Union airspace. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is a key safety instrument in the industry, which member airlines typically undergo.

While WestJet generally has a strong safety record, some incidents have been reported. These include a main gear collapse on landing in Sint Maarten in September 2025, and instances of first officer incapacitation in March 2025 and December 2024. An engine shutdown in flight near Los Angeles was reported in April 2025. Additionally, in February 2023, a WestJet Boeing 737 aircraft had a misaligned takeoff, resulting in its right nosewheel contacting eight runway edge lights, although the flight continued uneventfully to its destination and no injuries were reported. WestJet's Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft were part of the global grounding in March 2019 due to software issues, with WestJet resuming commercial flights with the model in January 2021 after extensive safety reviews and pilot training.

WestJet's mainline fleet boasts an average age of 11.2 years, with the overall fleet, including its subsidiary WestJet Encore, having an average age under 10 years, which is considered relatively young among North American carriers. However, concerns regarding maintenance reputation arose in May 2024, when WestJet itself noted a significant increase in Aircraft on the Ground (AOG) and Minimum Equipment List (MEL) items, suggesting a deterioration in maintenance standards and an understaffing of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). Despite these reported challenges in maintenance operations, WestJet's overall safety assessment, based on available data and external ratings, remains high, demonstrating a general commitment to safety and adherence to industry standards.