CALGARY- WestJet Airlines (WS) will cancel 9 US routes from cities like Vancouver (YVR) and Calgary (YYC) due to lower demand from Canadians.
The decision reflects shifting travel preferences amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions and political rhetoric.
WestJet Suspends US Routes
WestJet Airlines (WS) announced on May 6, 2025, the suspension of nine U.S. routes due to a significant drop in Canadian travel demand, influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.
The affected routes, serving popular destinations like Orlando (MCO) and Las Vegas (LAS), will be paused for varying periods between May and October 2025.
The Vancouver (YVR) to Austin (AUS) route, set to launch in May, is delayed until October, while Edmonton (YEG) to Chicago (ORD) resumes June 28.
The suspensions reflect a broader trend. Statistics Canada reported a 13.1% drop in air travel to the U.S. in February 2025 and a 70% decline in bookings through September, per OAG Aviation data.
“We continuously adjust our schedule based on demand.”
Josh Yeats, WestJet Spokesperson
The airline’s proactive adjustments aim to align capacity with traveller preferences. This will minimise financial losses estimated at $2.1 billion for the U.S. tourism sector.
Suspended Routes
The suspended routes include:
- May through October: Vancouver (YVR) to Austin (AUS).
- June only: Calgary (YYC) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Edmonton (YEG) to Chicago (ORD, resuming June 28), St. John’s (YYT) to Orlando (MCO, resuming June 30), Winnipeg (YWG) to Orlando (MCO).
- June through August: Kelowna (YLW) to Seattle (SEA), Winnipeg (YWG) to Los Angeles (LAX, resuming August 28).
- July through August: Edmonton (YEG) to Atlanta (ATL), Winnipeg (YWG) to Las Vegas (LAS).
These routes, some exclusively operated by WestJet (WS), leave travellers with fewer nonstop options. Affected passengers can access alternative routes. This includes Calgary (YYC) to New York (JFK), or rebook through WestJet’s (WS) domestic or European network.
The airline is offering refunds or rebooking options per its flight cancellation policy, ensuring minimal disruption.
Geopolitical Impact
U.S.-Canada tensions, fueled by Trump’s trade tariffs and claims that Canada should be the 51st U.S. state, have deterred Canadian travellers.
A Longwoods International survey found 60% of Canadians are avoiding U.S. trips, while an Abacus Data survey noted 56% cancelled or altered U.S. travel plans in 2025.
This sentiment has shifted demand toward domestic and international destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Pivot to Domestic and European Routes
In response, WestJet (WS) is boosting domestic connectivity from hubs like Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR), adding seasonal routes to Halifax (YHZ) from Vancouver (YVR), Regina (YQR), Saskatoon (YXE), and a Winnipeg (YWG) to St. John’s (YYT) service.
The airline also expanded transatlantic flights, launching Halifax (YHZ) to Amsterdam (AMS) and Barcelona (BCN) routes in summer 2025 to capitalise on strong European demand.
These additions align with a “transatlantic rebalancing” trend, as Canadian carriers redirect capacity to high-yield markets.
WestJet’s fleet, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners based at Calgary (YYC), supports these long-haul expansions, ensuring operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
Other Airlines US Routes
WestJet’s rival, Air Canada (AC), reported a 10% decline in U.S. bookings from Montreal (YUL) and Vancouver (YVR) for April to September 2025, prompting capacity cuts to cities like San Francisco (SFO) and Miami (MIA).
Porter Airlines (PD) and Flair Airlines (F8) also reduced U.S. services, with Flair cancelling Nashville (BNA) flights. The industry-wide shift highlights the impact of geopolitical rhetoric on travel behaviour.
Future Outlook
The airline’s adjustments reflect a broader industry response to geopolitical and economic challenges, with Air Canada (AC) deploying new Airbus A220s and Boeing 737 MAXs to non-U.S. markets. If tensions ease, WestJet (WS) may resume routes like Winnipeg (YWG) to Las Vegas (LAS) sooner.
For now, its focus on domestic and European growth ensures accessibility for Canadian travellers.
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