Canadian Airlines Adapt to Changing Travel Trends

The current political climate in the United States has led to varying responses from Canadian airlines. While WestJet has boldly cancelled multiple flights to US destinations, Air Transat has opted to avoid the drama and instead announced new flights to Valencia, Spain.

However, Porter Airlines has taken a unique approach by increasing its US flights despite record low numbers. The airline sees New York as a crucial hub for Canadians.

On the other hand, Flair Airlines has followed in WestJet’s footsteps by eliminating multiple flights to the US. In fact, a few months ago, the airline made the decision to reduce service to various US cities, a move that proved to be wise given the current data and passenger numbers.

Here is a closer look at Flair Airlines’ changes and how they are adapting to the shifting travel landscape.

Flair Airlines Sees Significant Drop in Passengers to Las Vegas

Flair Airlines has been expanding its domestic flights in Canada, particularly during the summer season. The airline has added more routes between Alberta and British Columbia and increased its capacity with additional Boeing 737 flights.

In particular, Flair Airlines has seen notable increases in flights to and from Vancouver and Toronto, Calgary and Toronto, and Vancouver and Abbotsford to Edmonton.

However, while the airline has been expanding its domestic routes, it has also scaled back on its US flights. In March, Flair Airlines reduced service to popular US destinations, including Las Vegas. This decision was based on projected passenger numbers, which were significantly lower than expected.

And the data for June proved Flair Airlines’ projections to be accurate. According to CBC, passenger numbers to Las Vegas dropped by a staggering 62%. This trend was also observed in other airlines, with WestJet and Air Canada experiencing a 31% and 33% decrease in passengers to Las Vegas, respectively.

While the future is uncertain, airlines are continuing to adapt their routes. Mexico has become a preferred destination for Canadians looking to avoid travel to the US, and Flair Airlines has taken note. The airline recently announced new flights to Mexico City, starting at just $141.

Flair Airlines Shifts Focus to Mexico

Flair Airlines CEO, Maciej Wilk, explained the decision to add flights to Mexico, stating that “for too long, flights to Mexico City have been out of reach for too many. ” He also noted that Flair is the only value airline in Canada, making it possible for more customers to explore Mexico City and for Mexicans to discover Toronto and Vancouver.

The new flights, which will operate from both Vancouver and Toronto, will begin in October 2025. Flights to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara are also available through Flair Airlines.

In the meantime, the budget airline has been retracting flights to the US. In addition to cancelling flights to Las Vegas, Flair Airlines has also adjusted routes to other US cities earlier this year.

As the holiday season approaches, it