WestJet Cuts Vancouver–Austin Route as U.S. Travel Demand Declines

WestJet has announced the suspension of its Vancouver to Austin, Texas route as demand for U.S. travel from Canada continues to fall. The airline said it made the “difficult decision” due to declining interest in travel to certain U.S. destinations.

Vancouver–Austin Route Suspended, Calgary Option Remains

Although the direct flight from Vancouver to Austin has been cut, WestJet says it still serves the Texas capital through its Calgary hub. The company also hinted that the Vancouver route may return in the future.

This isn’t the only change. WestJet also cut routes in Alberta, signaling a broader shift in strategy tied to low cross-border demand.

Canadian-U.S. Travel Sees Sharp Drop in 2025

Travel agencies and government reports have confirmed a widespread drop in tourism and business travel from Canada to the U.S.:

• Land border crossings from B.C. dropped by over 18% in March.
  
• Flight Centre Canada says business travel fell 40% in early 2025.
  
• The U.S. Travel Association estimates that a 10% drop in Canadian visitors could cost the U.S. $2.1 billion and over 140,000 jobs.
  

Travelers are facing longer wait times and increased border scrutiny, especially with U.S. authorities intensifying entry checks, including searches of electronic devices.

Air Canada Also Scaling Back

WestJet isn’t alone. Air Canada has reduced flights to cities like Washington, Miami, and Houston, and will now run just one daily flight between Montreal and San Francisco instead of the previously planned two or three.

Domestic Focus Grows as U.S. Routes Shrink

As U.S. demand drops, airlines are turning inward. WestJet recently announced a new Vancouver–Halifax route, starting July 1, calling it part of a “major expansion” of its domestic network.

With rising tension in cross-border relations and a shift in traveler priorities, Canadian airlines are rebalancing their schedules to focus on more reliable domestic and international markets outside the U.S.

Do you think increased border scrutiny is impacting Canadian travel to the U.S.? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/canada-and-us-air-travel-faces-shake-up-as-westjet-cancels-vancouver-to-austin-route-amid-declining-demand-for-travel
• https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/westjet-vancouver-cuts-us-flight
• https://openjaw.com/newsroom/airline/2025/04/30/westjet-and-air-canada-both-cancel-us-expansion-plans