Airlines Cut Seasonal Canada Flights Early Amid Tensions

Palm Springs, California — WestJet Airlines and Flair Airlines have announced the early termination of their seasonal flights between Palm Springs and Canadian cities Winnipeg and Vancouver respectively, citing a downturn in demand due to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The flights, originally scheduled to run through late April, concluded weeks ahead of time.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for WestJet confirmed that flights from Palm Springs to Winnipeg ended early, although no specific date was provided. Reports from The Winnipeg Daily Press indicate that the final flight took place on March 27. WestJet spokesperson Josh Yeats attributed the service change to a noticeable decline in cross-border travel demand from Canadians to U.S. destinations.

“We’re observing an increased interest in sun destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe,” Yeats said in a statement. “It’s common across the aviation industry to adjust network schedules to meet guest demand.” He assured customers that WestJet remains committed to making air travel accessible and affordable for Canadians.

Flair Airlines is also halting its service on the Palm Springs to Vancouver route earlier than planned. The last flight is now set for April 6, compared to an initial schedule extending to April 27. Eric Tanner, Flair’s Vice President of Commercial, noted that the decision stemmed purely from seasonal demand and not political circumstances.

“Flair Airlines regularly adjusts its network based on consumer demand,” Tanner explained. “We look forward to resuming this route when demand returns.” He added that this adjustment aligns with Flair’s ongoing effort to provide flexibility to its passengers.

These early cancellations follow a broader pattern, as many Canadians reconsider travel to the U.S. amid increasing political tensions. The trade relationship has deteriorated under President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about tariffs and border policies since his administration began.

On April 2, Trump announced a new 10% tariff on imports from various countries, excluding Canada and Mexico, as previous tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel remained in effect. This has provoked reactions from the Canadian government and citizens, with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging Canadians to think twice about traveling south.

Recent data shows a 70% drop in bookings for travel from Canada to the U.S. over the coming months. As a result, airlines are adjusting their operations, with WestJet confirming plans to resume flights from Winnipeg to Palm Springs in the fall of 2025, but Flair has yet to specify future plans for its Vancouver route.

The cancellations arrive during a crucial period for the Coachella Valley tourism economy. This region highly depends on Canadian travelers, especially snowbirds who flock to the valley to escape harsh winters. The peak tourism season typically runs from February through late April, coinciding with major events like the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. These festivals have been known to generate considerable economic impact, reported at $403 million in 2017.

While the immediate long-term effects of these flight cancellations remain uncertain, many Canadians are expressing concern over the evolving political landscape and its impact on travel decisions. Some regular visitors and part-time residents have articulated that the current situation might discourage them from future visits.

Despite two airlines suspending key routes, other flights between Palm Springs and Canada continue as scheduled. Palm Springs International Airport emphasizes its ongoing commitment to maintaining strong air connections with Canada, hoping to support and expand flight services in the future.

“PSP has a strong record as a popular destination for travelers from Canada, and we continue to work closely with our airline partners to support these routes,” the airport stated in a release.