Air Canada has officially canceled its seasonal nonstop flights from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This decision comes just two months before the service was scheduled to commence on May 1, 2026. It was first reported by Ishrion Aviation on X.
Impact of Cancellation
The airline’s website currently shows no booking options for this route. The anticipated service was set to be a regular feature, with nearly daily flights scheduled for May and June 2026.
Alternative Travel Options
- Travelers will need to connect through:
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
The cancellation leaves many potential flyers seeking alternatives to reach Seattle. Previously, Air Canada planned to offer 3,699 seats over 27 flights in May, with a slight decrease to 3,562 seats in June.
Possible Reasons for Service Termination
While no official reason has been given for the cancellation, underlying political tensions may be influencing travel trends. Since the rise of trade-related issues and anti-Canada sentiments from the U.S., many Canadians are hesitant to travel south.
In early 2025, there was a notable boycott among Canadians against American goods and travel. This movement, propelled by tensions surrounding tariffs and aggressive rhetoric from political figures, has significantly impacted the travel sector. Recent data reflects a 24% decline in Canadian visitors to the U.S., affecting airlines and businesses reliant on this market.
Wider Travel Industry Implications
The U.S. travel industry has reported a staggering loss of approximately $4.5 billion in 2025 due to the reduction of Canadian tourists. Attractions such as U.S. National Parks experienced a drastic drop in Canadian bookings, plummeting by 93%.
With the political landscape continually evolving, the trend of reduced cross-border travel may continue, complicating future engagements between Canada and the U.S. Air Canada, grappling with these changes, anticipates a 10% capacity reduction to various American destinations, highlighting the broader ramifications of these geopolitical tensions.
