Political tensions between Canada and the United States have bled into many facets – from Odd Burger’s pause on plans to expand their food franchise into the US, to a tense showdown between both teams in the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off finals. Travel is no exception to this, with less Canadians visiting the US during this spring season.
How have Canada-US tensions impacted travel?
Donald Trump’s strong desire to implement high 25 percent tariffs on imports, along with threats of annexation has created an immense strain between the US and their trusted neighbour, Canada. This trade war has directly led to weakening airline demand. Less Canadians are making the journey to the US, resulting in a huge cut in scheduled flights and seats.
Florida has been impacted the most by this feud, marking a trend across leisure destinations in the US. Comparing January to April 2025, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) has experienced a massive 43% reduction of seats occupied by those of Canadian origins and flying via Canadian airlines. Similarly, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) has seen a cutback of 30% of seats, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) 20%, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) 12%, presenting a clear fall in Canadian passengers across the Sunshine State.
Hub and business markets have dealt better against these tumultuous times. Once again looking at scheduled flights for January and April of this year, New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has faced a 5% reduction of seats, California’s San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 2%, and Texas’ Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport (DFW) is flat.
What does this mean for the future?
With these tensions currently taking place during the peak season for Canadian travel to the US, the decline in visitors has already had a significant impact on the travel sector as a whole. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment all welcome Canadian guests, and have suffered similar consequences as they feel a notable loss from the drop in numbers.
It will take a longer time for US destinations to recover from this sudden dip in tourists, with Canadians turning more towards domestic and European destinations during the summertime. This will give time for discussion between the two major allies, presenting avenues that will either rekindle or further rock their relationship. It is therefore unknown how long these tensions will last or their full impact, shaping the future of political balance, economic competition and mutual travel between Canada and the US.
What are your thoughts on Trump’s comments on Canada, and how do you think this will continue to impact the travel sector? Let us know in the comments below.
