SEATTLE – A WestJet pilot expressed deep frustration over ground delays at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) after burning approximately 800 pounds of jet fuel during taxi before takeoff. A simple routine trip turned into an extended ordeal on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when WestJet flight WS1553 to Calgary International Airport (YYC) suffered major schedule disruptions. The flight (operated by a Boeing 737-800 registered as C-FWIJ) was already running three hours behind schedule when it finally left gate S5 on Seattle’s South Satellite. After pulling away from the gate, the twin-engine spent 32 minutes navigating congested taxiways before finally reaching Runway 16L. After the prolonged ground transit, the captain formally notified air headquarters that the plane had burned 800 pounds (approximately 360 kg). of fuel while idling and maneuvering on the ground. While the captain acknowledged that half-hour taxi delays have become “pretty classic” for Seattle-Tacoma International, the incident highlighted a growing operational risk. The flight crew noted that the captain proactively requested additional fuel beyond the planned standard amount prior to departure. Otherwise, excessive consumption during taxiing would have forced the Boeing 737 to return to the gate to refuel and meet the legal minimum fuel requirements for takeoff. Flight WS1553 finally took off from runway 16L at 1:35 pm local time and headed to Calgary. Ground congestion and long taxi times at major hubs such as SEA continue to put pressure on airlines’ operational efficiency, fuel management and environmental objectives. The incident underscores the critical role flight crews play in anticipating ground delays to avoid costly operational disruptions and unexpected gate returns.
