WestJet Blames Booking Shift Away from U.S. as it Cancels Two Seasonal Routes

WestJet has cancelled two seasonal routes from Alberta to the U.S. due to a shift in bookings away from American destinations.

Planned seasonal service between YYC and New York’s LaGuardia Airport has been cancelled for summer 2025. WestJet has also suspended planned summer service between YEG and Orlando International Airport.

“WestJet has observed a shift in bookings from the U.S. toward other sun destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean, and to transatlantic destinations,” reads a statement from spokesperson WS Josh Yeats.

“It is common across the aviation industry to adjust schedules to service guest demand.” That’s true of course, but in this case it is part of a political reaction by Canadians to tariff and trade threats and statements by U.S. president Donald Trump that Canada should become the 51^st state.

Impacted guests who planned to travel YYC-LGA have been made aware the changes and have the option to fly into New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport instead, WestJet says.

As early as mid-February, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech reported a 25% drop in Canadians booking trips to the United States over the previous week. Flight Centre Travel Group Canada said February bookings to American cities dropped 40% from the same month in 2024.

Airlines including United, Air Canada and Flair have also reduced capacity between Canada and the U.S. Porter has reduced its marketing of U.S. destinations in order not to offend Canadians.

The Canadian government recently updated its travel advisory for those heading south of the border, noting the U.S. requires that visitors register if staying more than 30 days. Ottawa says those who don’t comply with the registration requirement could face fines and misdemeanor prosecution.