Canada's second-largest airline is calling it quits on plans for a route connecting Vancouver with a popular U.S. city...at least temporarily.
WestJet has announced it is cancelling the launch of a thrice-weekly service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas, citing a declining interest in U.S. travel.
In November 2024, the airline stated that the new route would "unlock significant tourism and economic opportunities in both destinations." However, political tensions south of the border, including President Trump's threats to make Canada the 51st state and the introduction of significant tariffs, have changed Canadian perspectives on travel to the United States.
Air Canada currently provides a nonstop service between the two cities. It hasn't stated it will discontinue the route.
Many Canadian airlines drop U.S. routes in the wake of political tensions
WestJet's announcement follows a wave of adjustments by Canadian airlines, which are reallocating aircraft to routes with higher interest outside the U.S., such as domestic and international cities.
WestJet told V.I.A. in a March interview that it had already observed declining interest in U.S. travel and anticipated the trend would continue.
"WestJet has observed a shift in bookings from the U.S. to other sun destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean among Canadian travellers," spokesperson Julia Kaiser told V.I.A.
"WestJet remains focused on knowing where people want to go, and we will continue to fly where there is demand. Reciprocal visitation from both Canadian and U.S. tourists is important for the tourism industry, as it drives economic stimulus on both sides of the border."
WestJet offers massive sale on Canadian destinations
Travellers looking for other opportunities to fly with WestJet (and not visiting the U.S.) can enjoy savings as part of the airline's Canada-wide sale.
The airline is offering 20 per cent off every base fare, from UltraBasic to Premium, to every destination in the country for travel between May 14 and June 26. There are no restrictions or blackout dates, and no promotional code is needed to access the savings; the discount is already applied.
Tickets must be booked by May 5 at 10:59 p.m. to take advantage of the offer.
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