Jun 30, Kathmandu- Canadian airline WestJet has canceled more than 400 flights following an emergency strike by the mechanics union.

Canada's second largest airline WestJet has canceled 407 flights affecting 49 thousand passengers.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said its members had started a strike on Friday evening as the airline management was "reluctant to negotiate with the union" and said it was "inevitable".

After the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding mediation on Thursday, the emergency strike has affected international and domestic flights.

This comes after two weeks of tumultuous negotiations with the union over a new contract.

WestJet said it will continue to park aircraft until Sunday for the long weekend, which ends on Canada Day on Monday.

The airline has around 200 aircraft and will operate around 30 flights by Sunday evening, the company said.