Air Canada has announced it will reduce flights to the U.S. starting in March, specifically to Florida, Las Vegas, and Arizona. This decision comes as the Canada-U.S. tariff dispute escalates and the Canadian dollar weakens.
WestJet may also follow suit, with the airline’s CEO stating that interest in U.S. travel has dropped by 25% in recent weeks.
While demand for U.S. travel has not yet collapsed, airlines are adjusting their strategies to mitigate risks amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
How Will These Flight Reductions Impact Travel?
The full extent of Air Canada’s capacity cuts remains unclear, but shifting capacity from U.S. routes to stronger-performing markets is a major strategic shift.
According to Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive VP of Revenue & Network Planning, the airline is being proactive by reallocating flights to areas with stronger demand.
- U.S. cities affected: Florida, Las Vegas, Arizona
- Timing: Reductions begin in March 2025
- Extent of cuts: Air Canada has not yet provided exact numbers
This move is one of the strongest signals yet that Canadian travelers are responding negatively to U.S. tariff policies and currency devaluation.
Is WestJet Also Reducing U.S. Flights?
WestJet has not yet announced official cuts, but CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech confirmed that the airline is closely monitoring the situation.
- 25% decline in U.S. travel interest among Canadian passengers
- Soft demand for U.S. flights in recent weeks
- Tariff concerns and weak exchange rate cited as reasons for decreased bookings
“If we feel we need to adjust our schedule, then we will,” said von Hoensbroech, indicating that WestJet may soon scale back U.S. flights if demand continues to weaken.
Are Canadians Avoiding Travel to the U.S.?
Recent polling suggests a significant shift in Canadian travel habits.
| Poll Date | Percentage of Canadians Less Likely to Visit the U.S. |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | 29% |
| Early February 2025 | 48% |
| Mid-February 2025 | 56% |
According to Léger polling data, more than half of Canadians are reconsidering U.S. trips due to economic and political factors.
- 61% of those avoiding U.S. travel plan to explore Canada instead
- 30% will travel within their home province
- 31% plan to visit another Canadian province
Has U.S.-Bound Travel Actually Declined?
Despite growing public sentiment against U.S. travel, official Statistics Canada data shows only a 2.8% decline in Canadian air visits to the U.S. in January 2025 compared to last year.
This suggests that while consumer sentiment is shifting, travel habits may take longer to reflect these trends.
What’s Next for Canadian Airlines?
As economic conditions evolve, airlines may continue adjusting their transborder flight schedules. Key factors to watch include:
- Exchange rate fluctuations impacting ticket prices
- Ongoing tariff disputes influencing Canadian travel behavior
- Passenger demand for domestic vs. international travel
WestJet and Air Canada will likely reallocate flights to stronger markets while monitoring consumer sentiment toward U.S. travel.
FAQs
Which U.S. destinations will Air Canada reduce flights to?
Florida, Las Vegas, and Arizona are among the main locations where Air Canada will cut capacity starting in March 2025.
Is WestJet also cutting U.S. flights?
WestJet has not yet confirmed reductions but has noted a 25% decline in U.S. travel interest and may adjust schedules if demand continues to fall.
Why are Canadians avoiding U.S. travel?
Polling shows that concerns over tariffs, the weak Canadian dollar, and economic uncertainty are causing more Canadians to reconsider trips to the U.S.
Are domestic Canadian travel bookings increasing?
Yes, 61% of those avoiding U.S. travel plan to explore other parts of Canada, with many staying within their home province or visiting another region.
How much has U.S. travel actually declined?
Statistics Canada data shows only a 2.8% drop in Canadian air visits to the U.S. in January 2025, though polling suggests this number may increase in the coming months.
Will other airlines follow Air Canada’s lead?
It is possible that other Canadian airlines will adjust their U.S. flight schedules if demand continues to weaken.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
