Rising fuel costs stemming from the war in Iran have forced major Canadian airlines to suspend flights, cancel routes, or operate at reduced capacity, with short domestic flights being the most affected.
Air Canada
Air Canada has suspended nine flight routes, primarily from Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montreal's Trudeau International Airport, according to the Globe and Mail. Flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv, suspended in February, will remain grounded until September. Domestic flights between Fort McMurray, Alberta, and Vancouver will be suspended as of May 28, while flights between Yellowknife and Toronto will stop on August 30. The resumption dates for these domestic routes are unknown. Flights to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport from Toronto and Montreal will halt from June 1 to October 25. Routes between Salt Lake City and Toronto will cease on June 30, with a planned resumption in 2027. International flights outside the U.S. currently only affect Montreal: the route to Guadalajara, Mexico, has yet to start, and flights to Algiers, Algeria, are suspended for the summer, resuming in 2027. The airline stated it will continue monitoring its network to ensure profitability, deeming some routes "no longer economically feasible" due to rising jet fuel costs.
WestJet
WestJet Airlines announced it will reduce available seats by 5.5% in June, following previous cuts of 1% in April and 3% in May. The Calgary-based carrier is implementing "near-term measures" to offset fuel shortages and is evaluating its summer schedule, potentially adjusting flights to balance fuel supply. Some lower-demand routes have been consolidated, and travel periods for seasonal offerings have been adjusted.
Air Transat
Between May and October, Air Transat has reduced its capacity by 6%. The airline has consolidated Europe and Caribbean routes due to an "unprecedented aviation-fuel crisis and exceptional volatility in energy markets." It has also reduced flights from Montreal to Guadalajara, Mexico, and postponed a planned Toronto to Accra, Ghana, route. In February, Air Transat suspended flights to Cuba, a suspension expected to last through October.
These changes come as airlines grapple with soaring jet fuel prices, a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in Iran, leading to widespread disruptions for travelers.
