WestJet: WestJet suspends routes to U.S. destinations

Share this Story : WestJet suspends routes to U.S. destinations Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Travel Edmonton News The affected routes include flights from Edmonton to Orlando International Airport, and from Calgary to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Article content WestJet has announced the suspension and cancellation of two seasonal routes from Alberta to the United States for summer 2025, citing shifting travel patterns and declining demand for U.S. travel. The affected routes include planned service between Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), and from Calgary (YYC) to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Impacted passengers are notified and offered alternative travel options through their daily service to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Canadian second-largest airline attributes the route adjustments to a broader trend of Canadians favouring destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and other transatlantic destinations over U.S. cities. "We have seen a shift in bookings and, as is common in the aviation industry, WestJet has adjusted its schedule to meet demand and to fly our guests where they want to go," said Josh Yeats, WestJet strategist, media and public relations, in an email to Postmedia. Declining Canada-U.S. travel trends Recent data from Statistics Canada supports the trend, showing a decline in cross-border travel between Canada and the U.S. in early 2025. Canada-resident return trips from the U.S. by air fell 13.1 per cent in February, while return trips by automobile dropped 23 per cent, marking the second consecutive month of decline. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Meanwhile, non-resident trips to Canada by air dropped 9.9 per cent, including a 1.3 per cent decrease in U.S. travellers. The overall decline in travel extends beyond Canada-U.S. routes. International travel to Canada fell 10.9 per cent in February, marking the first year-over-year drop since March 2021. Travel trends shift as Canadians look beyond the U.S. Travel agencies are also seeing these shifts reflected in customer bookings. Kelsey Baron, supervisor of product sales and service at AMA Travel, said while WestJet's flight suspensions have required some adjustments in travel plans, alternatives remain available. Baron said there's been a growing interest in domestic and international alternatives, with destinations such as Europe, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand and Peru gaining traction. "There has been a shift in travel preferences over the past month, which we view as a great opportunity for Albertans to explore more of their own backyard," she said. While cost, political climate, and tariffs are all factors some travelers mention when considering trips to the U.S., Baron said each traveller has unique preferences. Looking ahead to summer 2025, Baron said travellers are being "more mindful of their options," particularly when it comes to affordability. "While it's still early to fully assess the impact, factors like the exchange rates and the ongoing economic landscape may be influencing travel decisions, as people look for alternatives that provide great value on the Canadian dollar," she said. Among the emerging travel trends for 2025, Baron highlighted "cool-cations" - destinations with cooler climates and off-the-beaten-path locations - "set-jetting" - travel to locations featured in popular TV shows and movies - and a "growing focus on wellness travel," with more people seeking relaxation and rejuvenation-focused destinations. Are Air Canada and other airlines following suit? WestJet's route suspensions raise questions about whether Air Canada and other airlines are making similar adjustments. As of now, Air Canada has not made an official announcement about U.S. route cancellations, but recent data on travel trends suggest other airlines may also be reassessing demand. WestJet said it is "committed to ensuring air travel remains accessible, affordable and safe" for all travellers, but with fewer Canadians flying to U.S. destinations, more adjustments to available routes could be on the horizon. cnguyen@postmedia.com WestJet to remove unique sizing requirements for carry-on baggage WestJet gears up for summer growth, banks on domestic travel amid weak loonie Share this Story : WestJet suspends routes to U.S. destinations Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. 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