Canada-US Flight Bookings Drop 70% Amid Trump’s Trade War & Border Fears
Travel Between Canada and the US Is Plummeting—Here’s Why
Air travel between Canada and the United States is witnessing a dramatic collapse, with flight bookings down over 70% amid Donald Trump’s latest tariff war. New data from aviation analytics firm OAG reveals that airline capacity between the two countries has been significantly reduced through October 2025, with the most severe cuts occurring in July and August—peak travel months.
Alarming Numbers: A Historic Decline
Comparing flight bookings between March 2024 and March 2025, OAG found that reservations for Canada-US routes dropped by an alarming 71% to 76% between April and September. This unprecedented decline has forced airlines to remove over 320,000 seats from their schedules, further reducing capacity.
More Than Just Tariffs: Fear and Uncertainty
While Trump’s tariffs have fueled economic uncertainty, other factors are exacerbating the travel crisis. High-profile incidents of foreign visitors being detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have raised safety concerns among Canadian travelers, making them hesitant to cross the border.
Even Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned Trump’s latest tariffs as a “direct attack” on Canadian workers, further straining relations between the two nations.
Airlines Face a Major Crisis
The sharp decline in bookings is forcing major airlines like Air Canada—which has the largest network of cross-border flights—to reassess their operations. If the trend continues, further capacity cuts, price adjustments, or even route cancellations could be on the horizon.
The Bottom Line: What’s Next?
With no resolution in sight for the trade war and rising border tensions, the future of Canada-US air travel remains uncertain. Whether demand will bounce back or airlines will be forced to make permanent reductions is a question that remains unanswered.
For now, one thing is clear: Canadian travelers are staying away from the US in record numbers—and that trend may not change anytime soon.