WestJet has decided to suspend 16 routes connecting Canada to the U.S. for the summer 2026 season, attributing this decision to a notable decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025. Julia Kaiser, a media relations advisor for the airline, explained that the decline necessitated timely adjustments to their network in order to align with current travel preferences of Canadians.

The airline's adjustments include a near 10% reduction in overall transborder flying and a more significant 15% cut during historically peak travel times, indicating a substantial change in how Canadians are traveling to the U.S. WestJet's decision reflects broader trends in the travel industry, as airlines reevaluate routes based on passenger demand and economic conditions.

The routes affected by these suspensions include popular connections from cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton to destinations such as Boston, Nashville, and San Francisco, among others. This move not only impacts travelers who might have relied on these routes but also raises questions about the competitiveness and viability of transborder travel as post-pandemic travel patterns stabilize.