WestJet Flight 2390 Diversion: Twice Diverted from Calgary

Passengers boarded WestJet Flight 2390 expecting a straightforward journey from Calgary to Cuba’s sun-soaked beaches. Instead, 157 travelers spent an entire day in limbo when the Boeing 737 MAX 8 required two unscheduled maintenance diversions, eventually landing in Toronto rather than Varadero. The incident highlights how quickly routine air travel can unravel—and what passengers need to know when the unexpected forces a flight off course.

Flight Number: WS2390 · Origin: Calgary (YYC) · Intended Destination: Varadero, Cuba · Final Destination: Toronto · Passengers Onboard: 157 · Diversions: 2

The table below summarizes key flight details from available sources.

What happened to WestJet Flight 2390?

WestJet Flight 2390 took off from Calgary International Airport (YYC) on Saturday morning, bound for Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA) in Varadero, Cuba—a route typically operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft configured with 174 seats. According to CTV News, the flight never reached its intended destination.

Departure from Calgary

The aircraft departed Calgary as scheduled, carrying 157 passengers. The route is served by WestJet’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, which typically offers meals, entertainment via personal devices, and USB power—though no Wi-Fi service. Historical flight data from Trip.com Flight Status shows WS2390 had operated on schedule for several consecutive weeks prior to this incident, with typical departure times around 10:00 and arrival in Varadero by late afternoon.

First diversion reason

WestJet confirmed that the flight was diverted “out of caution to perform unscheduled maintenance,” according to a statement shared via social media. This aligns with the airline’s standard protocol: when mechanics identify a potential issue, flights are redirected to the nearest suitable airport rather than risk continuing in flight. The airline has a zero-tolerance approach to any safety concern, as Global News reporting noted in a separate WestJet incident statement.

Second diversion and final landing

After the first diversion, the flight crew apparently attempted to continue toward Varadero—only to divert a second time. The specific reason for the second diversion remains unclear from public records. FlightAware’s tracking data, which records scheduled, estimated, and actual times, shows no publicly available details explaining the second diversion. Eventually, the aircraft and its passengers ended the day in Toronto, having covered significant extra distance without reaching the original destination.

What happens to passengers when flights are diverted?

Flight diversions disrupt more than schedules—they trigger a complex set of airline obligations and passenger rights. When a WestJet flight diverts, several procedures activate automatically.

Immediate onboard procedures

Once an aircraft diverts, the captain coordinates with ground operations at the destination airport. Passengers typically remain seated until the aircraft doors open and ground staff or local authorities assume responsibility. In situations involving mechanical issues, the flight crew will provide updates when possible, though information is often limited until maintenance crews assess the aircraft. The airline’s ground team then takes over passenger coordination, arranging for buses, hotels, or rebooking options depending on circumstances.

Rebooking and compensation

WestJet’s policies allow passengers affected by advisory-related changes to receive a one-time fee waiver for rebooking, with a 60-day window to complete travel. However, the WS2390 incident occurred mid-flight rather than pre-departure, meaning standard change policies may not have applied directly. For Cuba-specific disruptions, WestJet’s official travel advisories indicate that passengers whose flights were cancelled received refunds to their original payment method, including add-ons like Travel Protection Plan, seat selection, and baggage fees. Meal and hotel provisions depend on the reason for diversion and the airline’s assessment of passenger needs during extended ground time.

Communication from airline

WestJet offers a flight status checker on its website where passengers can enter their flight number or departure/arrival airports for real-time updates. During disruptions, the airline typically sends push notifications to passengers who have provided contact information and uses social media channels to disseminate updates. Passengers on WS2390 reportedly took to social media to share their experiences and seek answers from the airline, with some noting frustration with communication delays during the day-long ordeal.

What to do if you’re on a diverted flight?

Finding yourself on a diverted flight can be disorienting, but having a plan helps minimize stress and protects your rights as a traveler.

Stay calm and follow crew instructions

Flight crews are trained for diversion scenarios. Listen to announcements, remain seated until doors open, and follow instructions from both flight attendants and ground personnel. The captain may not have immediate answers about the diversion reason—mechanical issues often require assessment before details are confirmed. Panicking or demanding instant answers helps no one and can create additional problems for airline staff already managing a difficult situation.

Document everything

Take photos of your boarding pass, any displayed flight information screens, and the aircraft interior if safe to do so. Save receipts for food, beverages, or accommodations purchased during the diversion. This documentation becomes essential if you need to file a complaint or request compensation later. Global News reporting showed that passengers on a previous WestJet diversion incident documented their experiences extensively, which helped clarify the timeline of events.

Know your rights

Canadian passengers have specific protections under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APQR). While these regulations have specific eligibility criteria based on cause and delay length, passengers whose flights are cancelled or who experience significant delays may be entitled to refunds or compensation. Contacting WestJet’s customer service team, either at the airport or through official channels, helps establish your status in the rebooking queue and ensures you’re included in any mass communication about alternative arrangements.

Why was WestJet Flight 2390 diverted twice?

The question on many travelers’ minds is why a single flight required two separate diversions. Publicly available information provides only partial answers.

Unscheduled maintenance

WestJet officially cited “unscheduled maintenance” as the reason for diverting WS2390. The airline’s travel advisories page confirms that maintenance-related diversions fall under the airline’s safety-first protocols. When an issue is identified either before departure or mid-flight, the aircraft is redirected to allow certified technicians to assess and address the problem.

The challenge with the WS2390 situation is that no specific maintenance details have been publicly released. FlightAware’s tracking system records scheduled, estimated, and actual times but does not include technical specifics about mechanical issues. Airlines typically do not disclose detailed maintenance information publicly, citing operational security concerns—detailed knowledge about specific aircraft issues could theoretically be exploited.

Crew and passenger factors

Social media discussions about WS2390 referenced “partly the passengers fault but also some of the crew” in a Facebook group discussion, though these claims remain unverified. A separate comparable incident reported by Global News involved an unruly passenger on a WestJet flight from Terrace, BC, which diverted back to Terrace Regional Airport—where RCMP arrested the individual. That case involved a passenger who consumed an illegal substance, showed paranoia, and attempted to open aircraft exits before being apprehended under the Mental Health Act.

However, there is no confirmed connection between that type of incident and WS2390. WestJet has not issued any statements suggesting crew or passenger misconduct contributed to the double diversion.

Official statements

WestJet’s official statement, shared via Instagram, confirmed the flight was “diverted out of caution to perform unscheduled maintenance.” This is the only direct statement from the airline regarding the incident. The statement aligns with standard aviation protocols but provides no specifics about the nature of the maintenance issue or the reason for the second diversion.

Passenger experiences on WestJet Flight 2390 diversion

The human element of the WS2390 incident comes through social media posts and online discussions, painting a picture of frustration, confusion, and resilience.

Social media reactions

Passengers took to platforms including Facebook and Instagram to share their experiences during and after the diversion. CTV News video coverage captured passenger reactions, with some expressing disappointment about the missed vacation while others noted the professionalism of the flight crew under difficult circumstances.

A Facebook discussion included comments from passengers noting that the situation involved “partly the passengers fault but also some of the crew,” characterizing it as “a sticky situation.” These unverified accounts suggest that interpersonal dynamics may have complicated the diversion process, though the specific details remain unclear.

Delays and frustrations

The day-long ordeal meant passengers spent hours in airports, uncertain about their final destination, meal arrangements, and when they might finally reach Varadero or return home. The cumulative effect of two diversions compounded typical diversion frustrations—additional time in transit, uncertainty about luggage, and separation from vacation plans already paid for.

Resolution outcomes

Based on WestJet’s standard policies and the Cuba-specific advisory situation, passengers whose flights were cancelled or significantly disrupted were entitled to automatic refunds to their original payment method, including add-on services. However, the diversion scenario—where passengers did eventually land somewhere—may have involved different processes, potentially including rebooking to a later flight to Varadero rather than refund-only options.

WestJet Flight WS2390 Timeline

This timeline consolidates available information about the flight’s unusual routing.

How to Track and Handle a Diverted WestJet Flight

When disruptions occur, having the right tools and knowledge helps passengers regain control of their travel plans.

1. Check WestJet’s flight status page — Enter your flight number at WestJet’s official flight status checker for real-time updates on departures, arrivals, and any reported delays.
2. Enable notification alerts — WestJet’s app and website allow passengers to opt-in for push notifications, which become critical during disruption events when gate agents may be overwhelmed.
3. Document your original booking — Screenshot your confirmation, boarding pass, and any pre-purchased services. This documentation supports refund or compensation claims later.
4. Speak with ground staff immediately — Lines may look long, but speaking with a live agent—especially at the airport—helps secure rebooking priority and clarifies your options.
5. Request meal and hotel vouchers if eligible — Depending on the diversion reason and duration, ground staff may have authority to provide vouchers for essentials.
6. Check travel insurance coverage — If you purchased travel insurance, review your policy for disruption coverage, including trip interruption benefits that may exceed airline minimums.
7. File a formal complaint if service was inadequate — WestJet’s customer relations team handles formal complaints; include all documentation and specific details about what went wrong.

What Experts and Passengers Are Saying

“Aligning with our focus to put guests and crew first and protect the integrity of our operation, the WestJet Group has made the difficult decision to begin an orderly wind down of our operations to Cuba.”

— WestJet (Official Travel Advisories)

“Partly the passengers fault but also some of the crew..that’s why it’s a sticky situation.”

— Tara Williams (Passenger via Facebook)

“WestJet has a zero-tolerance approach to any disruptive or unruly behaviour that could impact the safety and security of our guests, employees and operations.”

— WestJet (Global News reporting)

“We saw the flight just keep going in circles, getting closer to Toronto each time before turning back.”

— Social media witness (CTV News video)

The pattern emerging from passenger accounts and official statements reflects a tension common to aviation disruptions: safety protocols protect passengers from potential catastrophe but create significant inconvenience when triggered. WestJet’s emphasis on “putting guests and crew first” in its Cuba advisory suggests the airline is aware that operational decisions—while necessary—affect real people with real vacation plans and limited patience for extended disruptions.

The double diversion of WS2390 represents an unusual but not unprecedented scenario. What makes it noteworthy is the combination of circumstances: the Cuba route already operating under advisory conditions, the maintenance-related nature of both diversions, and the final landing in Toronto rather than any intermediate point or return to Calgary.

For Canadian travelers considering WestJet flights to Cuba, the incident adds a data point to an already complicated picture. WestJet has announced an orderly wind-down of Cuba operations through April 2026 due to the island’s power outage situation, according to the airline’s official advisories page. Flights to Varadero during this period have been automatically cancelled with refunds issued, though passengers with flexible travel dates may still book or rebook to other destinations.

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WestJet flights from Calgary have seen multiple disruptions lately, much like the Moncton emergency landing that safely handled a mechanical issue en route to Moncton.

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