Airline travel between Canada and the US is experiencing a significant decline, with flight bookings down by over 70% amid ongoing tariff disputes initiated by former President Donald Trump. Data from aviation analytics company OAG indicates that this reduction is expected to continue through October 2025, particularly affecting peak travel months.
- Airline travel between Canada and US collapsing
- Flight bookings down over 70% year-over-year
- Capacity cuts through October 2025 anticipated
- Canadian travelers hesitant due to tariff war
- Air Canada facing potential drastic changes
- Increased unease about crossing into the US
The recent data highlights a troubling trend for airlines operating between Canada and the US. With passenger bookings on trans-border flights down by as much as 76% compared to last year, airlines are responding by cutting capacity significantly. More than 320,000 seats have been eliminated from available flights through October 2025, reflecting a direct response to dwindling demand.
In detail, the cuts in airline capacity are most pronounced during July and August, which are typically peak travel months. The reductions represent about a 3.5% decrease in available seating during these critical summer months. This drastic drop suggests that current measures may not adequately address the lack of interest in traveling to the US.
The decline in travel is compounded by broader concerns surrounding safety and immigration policies, leading many Canadians to hesitate before booking trips across the border. Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized Trump’s tariffs as detrimental to Canadian workers, further fueling apprehension about cross-border travel.
This substantial drop in airline bookings signifies a challenging period for both travelers and airlines alike as they navigate uncertainties stemming from trade tensions and safety concerns.
