Canada's unprecedented run at the FIFA World Cup has prompted Canadian airlines to rapidly increase capacity on flights to Houston, Texas, ahead of the national team's round-of-16 match on July 4. WestJet Airlines, owned by Onex Corp. and partners including Delta Air Lines, is deploying larger aircraft on eight flights between Calgary and Houston, adding up to 42 extra seats per flight. Air Canada has also upsized a July 3 flight from Toronto to Houston and is evaluating further capacity increases, though the carrier noted its fleet is fully deployed during peak summer travel.
Soaring ticket prices reflect demand
As of Monday afternoon, the minimum price on Expedia for a direct flight from Vancouver to Houston departing July 3 was approximately $2,200, underscoring the surge in demand following Canada's historic 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday. That win secured Canada's first-ever advancement to the World Cup round of 16, setting up a match against the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston.
WestJet's spokesperson Julia Kaiser said in an emailed statement that the changes are being implemented “to make it easier for more Canadians to show up in full force and support our team on the international stage.” Air Canada's media office confirmed via email that it has increased the size of a July 3 flight from Toronto to Houston and is evaluating whether it can add more capacity, but noted limitations due to the peak summer travel period.
Travel trends and fan enthusiasm
Travel by Canadians to the U.S. has declined sharply since Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, but supporters of the Canadian team were present in large numbers in Los Angeles for the South Africa match. Fans erupted when midfielder Stephen Eustáquio struck a hard shot into the bottom corner of the net after more than 90 minutes of play. Until this year, Canada had never won a World Cup match.
The round-of-16 match in Houston on July 4 is expected to draw a significant Canadian contingent, prompting airlines to adjust schedules and aircraft assignments to accommodate demand. WestJet's move to use larger aircraft on eight flights between Calgary and Houston in the days leading up to and after the game reflects the carrier's effort to capture a share of the surge in travel to support the national team.
