Amid ongoing reductions in international travel, Canadian airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have announced suspensions and cancellations of U.S.-bound flights. This trend reflects a broader decline in cross-border travel demand as a result of economic and political factors influencing travel patterns.
In particular, Air Canada’s planned seasonal route between Montreal and Seattle, scheduled to commence on May 1, has been suspended, with no current booking availability. The airline has ceased services on Airbus A220-300 jets between Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Other airlines affected
Similarly, Air Transat is expected to halt all U.S. flights in June 2026, while WestJet has suspended 16 routes to ten U.S. cities, including Nashville, San Francisco, and Seattle. The decline in travel demand is confirmed by official statistics showing significant reductions in both air and automobile trips from the U.S. to Canada.
"This situation underscores the ongoing challenges in restoring international air travel demand," said transportation analyst.
The reduction in trips is part of a larger picture of decreased demand for travel to the U.S., driven by current travel restrictions and economic uncertainties. The industry continues to adapt to these challenges in hopes of recovery in future months.
