### **Airlines Cut US-Canada Flights as Demand Drops Amid Trade Tensions**
Airlines are significantly reducing capacity on routes between Canada and the US as travel demand continues to decline. According to travel data firm OAG, bookings for flights from Canada to the US have plummeted by over 70% each month through September compared to last year. Similarly, aviation analytics firm Cirium reported a 23% drop in bookings for flights from major Canadian cities to US destinations like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles over the next three months. In response, airlines have cut approximately 320,000 seats on US-Canada routes through October, with capacity reductions reaching 3.5% in peak summer months.
### **Trade Disputes and Shifting Travel Trends Impact Airlines**
Industry analysts attribute the decline to ongoing trade tensions between the US and Canada, causing travelers to delay bookings. John Grant, OAG’s chief analyst, noted that uncertainty surrounding trade disputes is likely deterring travelers. Major Canadian carriers like Air Canada and Flair Airlines have slashed flights by 8.2% and over 30%, respectively. However, some US airlines and Canadian budget carrier Porter have expanded operations. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed a “big drop in Canadian traffic” into the US, signaling a broader trend.
### **Airlines Shift Focus to Transatlantic and Alternative Routes**
With US demand waning, some Canadian airlines are pivoting to transatlantic and other international routes. WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has canceled several US routes, including New York-Calgary and Orlando-Edmonton, while boosting flights to Europe. A WestJet spokesperson noted a shift in bookings toward sun destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as transatlantic travel. Meanwhile, Air Canada disputes OAG’s 70% booking decline figure, claiming a smaller impact. Tourism Economics has revised its 2024 forecast for US visitors, now predicting a 5% drop instead of a 9% increase, citing trade tensions. The recent US auto tariffs announcement has further strained relations, with Canada planning retaliatory measures.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.businessinsider.com/canadians-not-visiting-us-airlines-cutting-seats-flights-2025-3.