Air travel between the US and Canada drops by 70%, cutting three hundred twenty thousand seats, as airlines shift focus to Europe amid rising tensions.

Air travel between the United States and Canada has taken a dramatic hit, with passenger numbers plunging 70% compared to the same period last year. The decline, highlighted in a recent report by aviation analytics firm OAG, is being linked to escalating trade tensions and controversial political rhetoric, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st state.

According to OAG, the most substantial reduction in flight activity occurred during July and August — typically the busiest travel months — and the downturn is expected to persist through at least October. Over 320,000 airline seats have been pulled from the US-Canada route year-over-year.

Interestingly, the report notes this slump could offer unexpected perks for travelers, such as cheaper fares and less crowded flights, as airlines work to fill empty seats.

With demand dwindling on this critical North American corridor, airlines are adjusting their strategies by pivoting toward transatlantic routes and ramping up promotions for European destinations.

The fallout is also likely to be particularly challenging for carriers that count on Canadian “snowbirds” — seasonal travelers who flock to the warmer climates of U.S. states like Arizona, California, and Texas during the winter months. The drop in cross-border flights threatens to disrupt these longstanding travel patterns and strain airline revenues.

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