WestJet will suspend 16 transborder routes for the summer 2026 season, citing a “notable” drop in demand through 2025. The airline told Global News it has trimmed full-year Canada–U.S. flying by close to 10 per cent, with a 15 per cent pullback during historically busy U.S. travel periods. Transborder refers to flights between Canada and the United States. The company says it has already shifted aircraft to markets where demand remains healthy.
WestJet transborder routes: what changes
Service will pause on the following 16 links this summer: Vancouver–Boston, Vancouver–Nashville, Vancouver–San Francisco, Vancouver–Tampa, Vancouver–San Diego, Kelowna–Seattle, Calgary–Raleigh-Durham, Edmonton–Atlanta, Edmonton–Nashville, Edmonton–San Francisco, Edmonton–Seattle, Edmonton–Orlando, Toronto–Los Angeles, Winnipeg–Nashville, Winnipeg–Atlanta, and Halifax–Orlando. WestJet says the suspensions apply to the summer schedule only. However, it also notes there is no sign the demand trend will reverse soon.
Demand slump and the dollar’s drag
According to media relations advisor Julia Kaiser, WestJet saw a sustained transborder slowdown during 2025. The airline adjusted its network “to stay aligned with where Canadians want to go.” Industry context points to fewer Canadian trips to the U.S. late in 2025. Statistics Canada reported a year-over-year decline in November 2025. A weaker Canadian dollar raises U.S. travel costs for Canadians. Travel expert Claire Newell adds that safety concerns and politics also weigh on demand. She believes the downturn may not have reached a floor yet.
Airport view: fewer U.S. trips, strong domestic demand
At Edmonton International Airport (YEG), five suspended routes concentrate the impact. Yet the airport says overall demand at YEG “remains strong.” Spokesperson Justin Draper notes a shift toward domestic travel and winter “sun” destinations. That mirrors WestJet’s broader pivot toward markets with stable or rising bookings.
Capacity moves: more Canadian links this summer
WestJet is redeploying aircraft where demand holds up. The carrier plans new or expanded domestic service, including daily flights from Calgary to Campbell River starting 15 May, and twice-weekly service from Edmonton to Terrace from 19 May. Two new Alberta–Ontario routes also start in June: Calgary to Sault Ste. Marie from 12 June, and Calgary to North Bay from 19 June. WestJet says demand for domestic, Latin American, Caribbean, transatlantic and transpacific destinations remains solid. In airline planning, “capacity” refers to available seats and frequencies allocated to each route.
What this means for travelers and fares
Fewer Canada–U.S. options from Western Canada could tighten seat supply on remaining routes. Prices may fluctuate as carriers adjust schedules. Travelers seeking U.S. destinations from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg or Halifax may need connections. Meanwhile, added domestic links create fresh non-stop options inside Canada. WestJet’s message is clear: follow demand, protect profitability, and lean into markets where Canadians still plan to fly.
The airline indicates it sees no near-term rebound in transborder demand. For now, its summer 2026 plan prioritizes domestic growth and winter sun flying, with long-haul segments stable. Passengers on affected routes should review alternatives early and monitor schedule updates as summer approaches.
