WestJet Suspends Three Vancouver-U.S. Routes Amid Declining Demand
WestJet is set to suspend three major routes connecting Vancouver to U.S. destinations. This decision comes as the airline responds to a striking decline in travel demand, particularly for cross-border flights. The affected routes include service to Boston, San Francisco, and San Diego, which will cease operations starting in April.
Details of Route Suspensions
The suspensions will be implemented as part of WestJet’s summer schedule for 2026. This significant adjustment follows a broader trend of decreasing transborder travel demand. The airline reported a nearly 10% reduction in overall flying to the U.S., with a sharper 15% cut during traditionally busy travel periods.
Reasons Behind the Decision
WestJet indicated that current travel patterns among Canadians suggest no immediate recovery in transborder flight demand. According to the company, they expect to operate fewer flights to the United States in 2026, continuing the trend set in the previous year. The airline’s strategy reflects a realignment of their network based on traveler preferences.
Industry Insights
- Domestic, Caribbean, and transatlantic destinations are witnessing strong demand.
- Flights between Vancouver and Halifax have seen an increase in capacity.
- Travel between Canada and the U.S. is down, with return trips decreasing nearly 24% year-on-year as of November.
Travel expert Claire Newell noted that the World Travel and Tourism Council estimated a $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending for the U.S. in 2025. This decline is significant, positioning the United States as the only one of 184 countries surveyed to experience a drop in international visitor spending last year.
As the travel landscape continues to shift, WestJet’s adjustments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in adapting to consumer demands and market conditions.
