Air Travel Trends Shift Amidst Changing Markets in the US and Canada

Air travel trends are undergoing a significant shift, and both airports and airlines are taking notice. Air Canada, for instance, is working to replace its reliance on US travel with different markets. The airline has seen a surge in South American trips, while domestic travel is also on the rise.

However, despite this shift, some US states are still trying to attract Canadian travelers. Vermont, for example, is offering free admission to various parks in an effort to lure back Canadian tourists.

But it’s not just Canada that is experiencing a decline in visitors. Other areas across the United States are also facing similar challenges. One particular area that has been greatly impacted is Las Vegas, which saw record-breaking numbers in 2024 but is now facing a completely different reality in 2025.

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, one of the busiest airports in the country, is currently ranking eighth in terms of passenger traffic. In 2024, the airport experienced a surge in visitors, setting a new record with 58. 4 million passengers, surpassing its previous high from 2023 with 57. 6 million passengers.

However, the same cannot be said for 2025. Foreign visitors, especially Canadians, are staying away, and this has had a significant impact on the economy of Las Vegas. Visitation from Canadians to Las Vegas was down 15% during the first half of 2025. Additionally, the number of Canadians flying to Harry Reid International Airport dropped by one-third compared to the same month in June 2024. This decline has also affected the casinos, hotels, and restaurants in the area.

The impact of this decline can be seen in a video posted by an airport visitor, @RealJakeBroe, on a Friday morning. The airport is completely silent, with no people in sight. Broe notes that he has never seen the airport this empty and that his United flight was less than a third full, with the entire row to himself.

The reactions to this post have been varied, with some confirming that they are no longer traveling to Las Vegas due to policy changes, and others sharing similar struggles in different states. One person even mentioned the mistreatment of tourists by immigration officials.

The numbers don’t lie, as tourism in Las Vegas continues to decline. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), 3. 1 million people visited in June, which is 400,000 less than the same month in 2024. This decline has also resulted in a 6. 5% decrease in hotel occupancy rates and a drop in room rates to an average of $163. 64. Harry Reid Airport has also seen a 4. 1% decrease in passenger traffic compared to last year.

While some experts see this decline as a normal seasonal change, others are sounding the alarm and looking for ways to boost tourism in Las Vegas.