Breaking News: WestJet Axes Several U.S. Routes
Canadian airline WestJet has slashed its U.S. schedule, axing its proposed Calgary-Austin route as well as several other transborder routes, citing woefully soft demand. The unexpected move follows fresh data that shows Canada-U.S. air travel has plummeted to a mere 85% of pre-pandemic levels – much lower than industry recovery expectations.
The Cancellations: What’s Being Cut
✔ Austin (AUS): New route cancelled prior to October introduction
✔ Seasonal Cuts: Fewer Florida, California hub flights
✔ Frequency Cuts: Fewer Calgary-Los Angeles, Toronto-Boston flights
“The economic case for these routes has weakened considerably,” a WestJet executive acknowledged in an internal memo released by Reuters.
Why This Drastic Pullback? 3 Surprising Reasons
1. Business Travel Implosion
Corporate travel budgets down 30% from 2019
Tech industry slump murdering Austin/San Jose routes
Zoom culture is now here to stay: 65% of businesses have established formal telecommuting policies
2. “Airfare Rebellion”
Average roundtrip Canada-U.S. now $487 (+42% from 2019)
Canadians opting for “staycations” rather than expensive U.S. vacations
Border airports such as Buffalo reporting increase in Canadian motorists fleeing high prices
3. Currency Crisis
Loonie at 72¢ USD – worst in 18 months
Driving U.S. hotels, meals 35% more costly for Canadians
Domino Effect Across Industry
Air Canada quietly cutting back Chicago, Seattle flights
Delta reducing Montreal-New York frequencies
Flair Airlines in trouble after losing 4 U.S. routes
What Travelers Should Know
⚠ Refunds: WestJet providing full refunds
⚠ Alternatives: Increased connections via Toronto/Vancouver
⚠ Deals Coming? Fire sales expected on remaining U.S. routes
Expert Forecasts: How Bad Will It Get?
*”This is just the beginning. We could see 15-20% fewer Canada-U.S. flights by 2025 if trends continue.”*
Henry Harteveldt, Atmosphere Research Group
“Airlines are battling for survival on these routes. Don’t be surprised to see more mergers or bankruptcies.”
Robert Kokonis, AirTrav Inc.
The Silver Lining?
✅ Lower last-minute U.S. fares anticipated
✅ More planes redirected to hot vacation routes
✅ Opportunity for new loyalty program benefits
Your Move, Travelers
With fewer flights and volatile demand, savvy travelers should:
Book early for remaining nonstops
Look at border airports (Buffalo, Detroit, Bellingham)
Be on the lookout for error fares as airlines trim
Will YOU still be flying to the U.S. this year? Cast your vote in our poll below!