WestJet, Air Canada and Porter Airlines say they are advising airport staff to process all U.S.-bound passengers with valid visas, regardless of nationality, after a federal judge south of the border put a temporary hold on President Donald Trump鈥檚 travel ban.
On Saturday, WestJet announced that 鈥渄ue to a federal judge granting temporary restraining order on the nationwide immigration ban, guests travelling with a passport issued from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen or Libya are now able to enter or transit the United States if holding a valid passport and a valid Immigrant or non-immigration visa."
That statement was echoed by Air Canada.
鈥淎ir Canada was informed by U.S. Authorities Friday evening that the CBP was returning to its operating procedures as they were prior to the signing of the Executive Order, and we immediately revised ou鈥巖 travel documentation checks to remain compliant.,鈥� an airline spokesperson said in a written statement, referring to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge James Robart imposed a hold on Trump鈥檚 temporary ban on travellers and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen.
In his ruling, Robart sided with Washington State and Minnesota, two states that had challenged Trump鈥檚 executive order.
WestJet and Air Canada referred passengers to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for updated information.
In the event there are 鈥渇urther changes鈥� to the U.S. entrance requirements, WestJet will continue to waive the change and cancellation fees for passengers affected by the travel advisory, a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, in a statement to 麻豆传媒, Porter Airlines said it was also complying with Judge Robart鈥檚 block.
鈥淲e are advising our staff at airports to process passengers based on the Washington court order - i.e., all nationalities may currently travel with valid passports and visa,鈥� said spokesperson Brad Cicero.
Trump鈥檚 executive order has sparked protests across the U.S. and beyond, as well as confusion at airports.
