Air Canada Cancels Another U.S. Flight for Winter 2025–26

Key Takeaways

• Air Canada suspends six U.S. routes for Winter 2025–26 due to weak demand and competition.
• Direct flights from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to U.S. secondary cities will end September–October 2025.
• Bookings between Canada and U.S. down over 70%, with Canadian arrivals dropped 20.2% year-over-year.

Air Canada Cuts More U.S. Routes for Winter 2025–26: What Travelers Need to Know

Air Canada has confirmed it will suspend several U.S. routes for the Winter 2025–26 season, including the recently announced Toronto–Jacksonville, Florida flight. This move, effective from late September through October 2025, adds to a growing list of route cuts between major Canadian cities and secondary U.S. destinations. The decision comes as the airline faces weak demand, changing traveler preferences, and increased competition. Here’s what these changes mean for travelers, the tourism industry, and the broader Canada–U.S. travel landscape.

What’s Happening: The Latest Route Suspensions

Who is affected?
Travelers flying between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸, especially those using direct flights from major Canadian hubs to smaller U.S. cities, will see fewer options this winter.

What routes are being cut?
Air Canada is discontinuing the following U.S. routes for Winter 2025–26:

• Montreal (YUL) – Detroit (DTW): Last flight September 30, 2025
• Montreal (YUL) – Minneapolis (MSP): Last flight October 19, 2025
• Toronto (YYZ) – Indianapolis (IND): Last flight October 19, 2025
• Vancouver (YVR) – Nashville (BNA): Seasonal, not returning for winter
• Vancouver (YVR) – Tampa (TPA): Seasonal, not returning for winter
• Toronto (YYZ) – Jacksonville (JAX): Newly announced, ending fall 2025

When do these changes take effect?
Most route suspensions begin between late September and October 19, 2025, as Air Canada’s winter schedule starts.

Where are the biggest impacts?
The cuts affect direct connections from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to several U.S. cities, mainly in the Midwest and South.

Why is Air Canada making these changes?
The airline cites several reasons:
– Weak demand: Fewer Canadians are booking trips to the United States 🇺🇸, especially to secondary cities.
– Changing traveler sentiment: Many Canadians are less interested in visiting the United States 🇺🇸 due to political tensions, trade disputes, and a weaker Canadian dollar.
– Profitability concerns: Air Canada is focusing on routes that make more money, such as domestic flights, sun destinations (like the Caribbean and Mexico), and long-haul international routes.
– Increased competition: U.S. airlines like Delta and United are keeping or adding flights on some routes, while Canadian competitors like WestJet and Porter are shifting their focus to other markets.

How will this affect travelers?
Passengers will have fewer direct flight options, leading to longer travel times, more layovers, and possible inconvenience for both business and leisure trips.

Supporting Details: The Numbers Behind the Cuts

Capacity Reductions and Booking Trends

• Seats on U.S. routes: Air Canada’s available seats on U.S. routes dropped by more than 9% in April 2025 compared to April 2024 (623,461 vs. 686,644 seats).
• Industry-wide cuts: All Canadian airlines together have reduced U.S. capacity by 6.1% for April–June 2025. When including U.S. carriers, total capacity is down 4.4%.
• Forward bookings: Bookings for Canada–U.S. flights are down over 70% for every month through September 2025 compared to the previous year.
• Canadian arrivals to the U.S.: There’s been a 20.2% drop in Canadian arrivals to the United States 🇺🇸. Land border crossings are down 35.2%, and air travel is down 19.9% year-over-year as of April 2025.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• Michael Rousseau, Air Canada CEO: “The noise around tariffs and trade disputes definitely had an impact” on Canada–U.S. demand.
• Mark Galardo, Chief Commercial Officer: “We’ve reduced our exposure to U.S. leisure destinations where you might see a bit more sensitivity on the yield” and are shifting focus to international long-haul and sun destinations.
• Aran Ryan, Tourism Economics: “Shifting sentiment and perceptions of the U.S. are expected to continue to weigh heavily on travel demand.”
• OAG (Aviation Data Provider): “Future flight bookings between Canada and the U.S. have collapsed… down by over 70% in every month through to the end of September.”

Impact on Travelers: What You Should Do Next

If you’re planning to fly between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 this winter, here’s what you need to know:

Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Passengers

1. Check Your Flight Status
   • Use Air Canada’s Daily Travel Outlook for real-time updates on cancellations and disruptions.
2. Rebooking Options
   • If your flight is affected, Air Canada will usually offer to rebook you on a different route or provide a refund or travel voucher.
3. Contact Air Canada
   • Reach out to customer service through the official website or by phone for help with changes, refunds, or compensation.
4. Consider Alternatives
   • Look for connecting flights through other Canadian or U.S. hubs.
   • Check availability with other airlines such as Delta, United, WestJet, or Porter.

Tip: Book early and check your flight status regularly, as schedules may change again if demand shifts.

Broader Implications: Who Else Is Affected?

For the Tourism Industry

Cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Nashville, Tampa, and Jacksonville may see fewer Canadian visitors this winter. This could hurt local hotels, restaurants, and attractions that rely on Canadian tourists, especially during the winter months when many Canadians seek warmer destinations.

For Airlines

Air Canada is moving planes and crews to routes that are more popular and profitable, such as flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. WestJet and Porter are also adjusting their schedules, with Porter expanding into new markets using its new jets. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines like United and American are keeping or even increasing their flights on some routes, hoping to attract Canadian travelers who still want to visit the United States 🇺🇸.

For Business and Leisure Travelers

People who rely on direct flights for business or family visits will face more hassle. They may need to take connecting flights, which can add time and cost to their trips. Some travelers may decide to visit other countries or stay within Canada 🇨🇦 instead.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Strong Demand Before 2024

Before 2024, air travel between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 was strong. Both business and leisure travelers filled flights, and airlines competed to offer more routes and better service.

The Downturn in 2024–2025

Several factors have changed the picture:
– Political tensions: Trade disputes and tariffs, especially during the Trump administration, have made some Canadians less eager to visit the United States 🇺🇸.
– Weak Canadian dollar: A weaker currency means trips to the United States 🇺🇸 are more expensive for Canadians.
– Changing sentiment: Some Canadians are selling U.S. properties, especially in Florida, and choosing non-U.S. sun destinations.
– COVID-19 aftereffects: While not the main reason now, the pandemic changed travel habits and made some people more cautious about cross-border trips.

As a result, airlines began cutting capacity in early 2025. Air Canada’s seats on U.S. routes dropped by over 9% year-over-year, and forward bookings for Canada–U.S. flights collapsed by more than 70% for summer and fall 2025.

Industry Analysis: Why Is Demand So Weak?

Economic and Political Factors

• Trade Disputes: Ongoing trade tensions and tariffs have created uncertainty and hurt traveler confidence.
• Currency Fluctuations: The Canadian dollar’s weakness makes U.S. trips pricier for Canadians.
• Election Uncertainty: The upcoming U.S. election and related political rhetoric have made some Canadians hesitant to visit.

Changing Traveler Preferences

• Sun Destinations: More Canadians are choosing to travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, or even Europe instead of the United States 🇺🇸.
• Selling U.S. Properties: Many Canadians, especially retirees, are selling homes in Florida and other U.S. states, reducing the need for cross-border travel.
• Business Travel: Some companies are cutting back on travel budgets, and virtual meetings are replacing some in-person trips.

Airline Strategy

Air Canada is focusing on routes that are more likely to be profitable. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airline is redeploying aircraft and crew to high-demand markets, especially sun destinations and long-haul international flights. This strategy helps Air Canada manage costs and respond to changing demand.

What About the Competition?

Canadian Airlines

• WestJet: Also reducing U.S. flights and focusing on sun and international routes.
• Porter: Expanding into new markets, including Europe, with new jets.

U.S. Airlines

• Delta, United, American: Maintaining or increasing flights on some routes, hoping to attract Canadian travelers who still want to visit the United States 🇺🇸.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

• Fewer direct flights: More layovers and longer travel times.
• Possible higher prices: Less competition on some routes may lead to higher fares.
• More choices for sun destinations: Airlines are adding flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe.

Looking Ahead: Will These Routes Return?

Air Canada has said that some suspended routes, such as Montreal–Detroit, Montreal–Minneapolis, and Toronto–Indianapolis, may return in May 2026 if demand improves. However, this will depend on several factors:
– Traveler demand: If more Canadians want to visit the United States 🇺🇸, airlines may bring back flights.
– Economic conditions: A stronger Canadian dollar or improved trade relations could boost demand.
– Political climate: The outcome of the U.S. election and future trade policies may influence traveler sentiment.

For now, expect Air Canada and other airlines to keep shifting capacity to where it’s most profitable.

Summary Table: Air Canada U.S. Route Suspensions for Winter 2025–26

Practical Guidance: How to Stay Informed and Adjust Your Plans

• Monitor official channels: Check Air Canada’s Daily Travel Outlook for the latest updates.
• Book early: With fewer direct flights, seats may fill up quickly on remaining routes.
• Consider alternatives: Look at connecting flights or other airlines if your preferred route is suspended.
• Stay flexible: Be prepared for possible changes as airlines adjust schedules based on demand.

Official Resources

• Air Canada Official Website: https://www.aircanada.com
• Daily Travel Outlook: Real-time disruption and cancellation information
• Customer Service: Accessible via Air Canada’s website or by phone for rebooking and compensation inquiries.

For more information on cross-border travel requirements, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Key Takeaways

• Air Canada is suspending several U.S. routes for Winter 2025–26 due to weak demand, changing traveler sentiment, and profitability concerns.
• Travelers will face fewer direct flight options between Canadian hubs and secondary U.S. cities, leading to longer travel times and more connections.
• The tourism industry in affected U.S. cities may see fewer Canadian visitors, impacting local businesses.
• Air Canada is focusing on more profitable routes, especially to sun destinations and long-haul international markets.
• Some routes may return in May 2026 if demand improves, but ongoing political and economic uncertainty will shape future decisions.

As the winter travel season approaches, travelers should stay informed, plan ahead, and be ready to adjust their plans as airlines respond to changing market conditions.

Learn Today

Route Suspension → Temporary or permanent halt of specific airline flight paths affecting passenger travel options.
Direct Flight → A non-stop flight between the origin and destination with no stops or layovers.
Forward Bookings → Advance reservations made by passengers for upcoming flights, indicating future travel demand.
Capacity Reduction → Decrease in available seats offered by airlines on certain routes due to low demand or strategy.
Sun Destinations → Popular warm-weather vacation spots like the Caribbean and Mexico favored by travelers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air Canada cuts six U.S. routes for Winter 2025–26 amidst weak demand and shifting traveler preferences. Canadians will face fewer direct flights to secondary U.S. cities, leading to longer travel times and more connections. Airlines focus on profitable sun and international routes, impacting business and leisure travel options significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com