WestJet Suspends 16 Canadian Flights Amid Notable Decline in U.S. Travel
WestJet, the Canadian airline, has announced the suspension of 16 flights from Canada to key U.S. destinations due to a significant decline in travel interest among Canadian travelers. This trend shows no signs of reversing in the near future.
WestJet’s Decision Amid Declining Travel Demand
Julia Kaiser, a media relations advisor for WestJet, shared insights on the situation with Global News. She stated, “We have observed a notable decline in cross-border travel demand throughout 2025.” In light of this, the airline is adjusting its network to align with the preferences of Canadian travelers.
Flight Reductions and Future Plans
Starting from summer 2026, WestJet plans to cut nearly 10% of its annual cross-border flights. This includes a 15% reduction in routes that have historically been among the most popular. Instead, the airline will redirect its fleet toward routes that are currently in high demand, including:
- Domestic flights within Canada
- Latin American destinations
- Caribbean routes
- Transatlantic and transpacific flights
Kaiser emphasized that there is no indication that this trend will change soon. Claire Newell, a travel expert, noted that the decline in U.S. tourism might not have hit its lowest point yet. She explained that concerns about safety and the economic impact of the Canadian dollar play significant roles in this declining interest.
Statistics on Declining Tourism
According to Statistics Canada data reported by Global News, there was an average drop of 23.6% in Canadian tourism to the United States between November 2024 and November 2025. This statistic highlights the ongoing struggles within the travel industry.
Impacted Routes
The specific routes affected by WestJet’s flight suspensions include:
- Vancouver to Boston, Nashville, San Francisco, Tampa, and San Diego
- Kelowna to Seattle
- Calgary to Raleigh-Durham
- Edmonton to Atlanta, Nashville, San Francisco, Seattle, and Orlando
- Toronto to Los Angeles
- Winnipeg to Nashville and Atlanta
- Halifax to Orlando
This strategic pivot underscores the airline’s response to the shifting landscape of travel demand, ensuring it meets the expectations of Canadian customers amidst changing market conditions.
