Air Canada and WestJet reveal six fresh flight routes from Vancouver to American destinations
In the upcoming summer season, both Air Canada and WestJet, the leading and second-largest airlines in Canada respectively, are making significant changes to their transborder routes from Vancouver to the United States. Instead of launching new routes, the carriers are scaling back US service and reallocating capacity to domestic and other international markets.
Air Canada is reducing frequencies on multiple US-bound flights from Vancouver, including key routes to Miami, Houston, Washington, D.C., and the notable cancellation of the Toronto-Jacksonville winter route due to weak demand, with plans to resume it in spring 2026.
WestJet, on the other hand, has suspended nine US transborder routes affecting Vancouver and other hubs, including the Vancouver-Austin route. Rather than adding new US routes from Vancouver, WestJet is focusing more on increasing domestic transcontinental routes and expanding partnerships, such as with Aeromexico for connections to Mexico.
However, WestJet is not completely abandoning the US market. The airline's Austin service will join previously announced routes to Boston and Tampa for the upcoming summer season. Nashville service will commence on May 1, 2025, and operate four times a week seasonally through Oct. 30, 2025. Flights to Raleigh will operate three times a week seasonally from June 4, 2025, until Sept. 29, 2025, from Calgary, Alberta, but not from Vancouver as initially speculated.
This latest expansion from Air Canada might be seen as a defensive move in Austin and Tampa to prevent ceding traffic to WestJet. Air Canada's network chief, Mark Galardo, stated that "more network news will be coming soon."
Air Canada's expansion is part of a sixth-freedom strategy to efficiently bridge North America and growing international destinations across the Asia-Pacific region. The airline's Pacific gateway expansion further bolsters their position as the leading carrier between Canada and the US.
The increased demand for travel in both directions between western Canada and the US is driving these expansions. Both carriers are eager to cater to this demand while also strategically positioning themselves for future growth.
- Travelers looking for dining options in Vancouver might want to consider staying at hotels near the airport, as both Air Canada and WestJet are making significant changes to their transborder routes, which could affect travel plans.
- Guides planning trips with Air Canada should take note of the airline's six-freedom strategy, as they aim to efficiently bridge North America and growing international destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.
- News about loyalty programs and travel rewards might be of interest to frequent travelers, as both Air Canada and WestJet are expanding their services and competing for traffic between western Canada and the US.
- Those interested in lifestyle and travel news should keep an eye on Air Canada's network, as their network chief, Mark Galardo, mentioned that "more network news will be coming soon."
- Credit card holders with travel rewards could benefit from expanded services between Canada and the US, as both Air Canada and WestJet are catering to the increased demand for travel in both directions.
- Before booking flights with WestJet, travelers should check the airline's route plan, as they have suspended nine US transborder routes, but are still operating and expanding certain routes, including the new service to Nashville and continued service to Austin, Boston, and Tampa.
