UPDATE: Canadians are increasingly avoiding flights to the United States, with new reports confirming that air travel across the border has decreased for the ninth consecutive month. Statistics Canada disclosed this alarming trend in their latest passenger traffic report for October, revealing a significant shift in travel habits among Canadians.
As of October, only 24.4 percent of airport traffic was heading to the U.S., down from 28 percent last year. This dramatic drop highlights a growing preference for domestic travel, with flights to other Canadian cities rising by 8.5 percent during the same period.
At Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which recorded over 900,000 passengers in October alone, this reflects a surge of nearly 6.6 percent year over year. Meanwhile, the total number of travelers passing through Canada’s eight largest airports reached over 5 million, marking a 4.5 percent increase compared to last October.
Officials have noted that American travelers are also showing a preference for Canada, with arrivals by air increasing by 1.3 percent from last year. However, a concerning trend is emerging on the ground: the Whatcom Council of Governments in Washington state reported a staggering 37 percent decline in British Columbia license plates crossing the border by land in October.
This downward trend in cross-border air travel began in February 2023, shortly after former President Donald Trump took office. His administration’s controversial remarks regarding Canada, including labeling the country as the “51st state,” may have contributed to this shift.
The implications of this trend resonate with travel enthusiasts and the tourism industry alike. Canadians are opting for domestic escapes, potentially bolstering local economies but also raising concerns for businesses reliant on American tourism.
As the holiday season approaches, experts urge travelers to reconsider their plans. With fewer Canadians heading south, the focus remains on how this will affect both countries’ economies and the travel landscape moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves.
