Canadian air traffic to U.S. ‘starts to take off’ after 18 months of declines

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Photo by Nathan Griffiths/PostmediaThe downshift in Canadian travel that began in early 2025 appears to be turning around as flights from Canada to the United States start to pick up again.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountStatistics Canada said transborder air traffic to the U.S. “started to take off” in August, ending 18 consecutive months of year-over-year declines, according to its monthly airport travel data.Air travel to the U.S. in August increased 5.9 per cent from 2025, to 1.4 million screened passengers. That’s compared to a 0.9 per cent decline the month before.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.At Canada’s three largest airports, Toronto’s Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau posted double-digit gains in passengers travelling to the U.S., while the Vancouver International Airport recorded a 3.4 per cent decline.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againHowever, the number of transborder air passengers is still 5.9 per cent lower than in 2024, while domestic traffic continued to lead growth, said Statistics Canada.The number of passengers on domestic flights was 6.8 per cent higher year over year, totalling three million in August, the seventh consecutive month in which domestic travel led growth.All major Canadian airports except Edmonton’s posted increases in domestic traffic.Overall, 6.1 million passengers were screened at Canada’s eight largest airports in August, up 6.1 per cent from the previous year. One factor for the increase is the Air Canada flight attendant strike in August 2025 that lasted almost four days and resulted in thousands of flight cancellations.Following the FIFA World Cup in June and July, when Toronto and Vancouver played host to 13 matches, Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International posted their strongest traffic growth of the summer in August.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.