WestJet, one of Canada’s largest airlines, has announced the suspension of nine routes to the U.S., effective from June to August 2025, citing a significant decline in demand for cross-border travel. This decision highlights the growing challenges in the Canada-U.S. air travel market, exacerbated by a combination of geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, and shifting consumer behaviors.
The airline attributed the decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. as the primary reason for the suspension. Several factors have contributed to this drop in demand:
U.S.-Canada Trade Disputes: A 25% tariff on Canadian goods, imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2025, has strained relations between the two nations. Although the tariffs were partially paused, the ongoing trade conflict has dampened Canadian interest in traveling to the U.S.
Political Climate: Trump’s provocative remarks, including his suggestion to annex Canada as the “51st state,” have further discouraged Canadian travelers. A survey by Longwoods International in April 2025 revealed that 60% of Canadians are unlikely to visit the U.S. due to political tensions, with 36% reporting they had canceled planned trips.
This move by WestJet reflects broader shifts in the air travel industry, as the geopolitical and economic landscape continues to influence travel decisions. With these suspensions, the airline is responding to changing consumer preferences and the impact of external factors on transborder travel demand.
