WestJet is terminating its seasonal service in Saint John, which it has been operating for four years. WestJet is terminating its seasonal service in Saint John, which it has been operating for four years. (CBC)

WestJet is cancelling its seasonal service to Saint John from Toronto after four years because it was no longer profitable.

The airline started its Toronto to Saint John service in 2007. The company halted its winter flights in 2008 also over a lack of passengers.

Bernard LeBlanc, the president of the Saint John Airport, said WestJet notified him of the change shortly before Christmas because the route was no longer profitable.

LeBlanc said the decision was "unfortunate" and that it came down to profitability.

"But in terms of having WestJet as a partner here, unfortunately they'll no longer be here, and that's unfortunate to see happen," he said.

"But in the end it becomes a financial decision for them."

The Saint John Airport's president said WestJet's planes are too big to fill two flights a day to Toronto, a requirement to make the flights financially viable.

"Part of their challenge in servicing Saint John, and other small markets like ourselves, is the size of the aircraft. The type of aircraft they use is minimum of 129 passengers or so," LeBlanc said.

"Typically to get successful or long-term service, you'd like to have at least two flights a day or so, and it's very difficult to do it with that aircraft."

Saint John is now down to two airlines. Air Canada services the airport throughout the year and Sunwing offers flights in the winter.

LeBlanc said he doesn't think WestJet's decision to cut ties with Saint John will have an economic impact on the airport. Although, the airport's president said he hasn't heard whether WestJet has any plans to return in the future.

LeBlanc said he hopes WestJet's decision to pull out of Saint John doesn't create a summer flight crunch at the airport.

He said the airport will work with Air Canada to handle the extra capacity of passengers who would have used WestJet in the past.

"So in terms of destinations served, it doesn't really change anything," he said.