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WestJet Reports Major Shift as Canadians Bypass US for Caribbean and European Travel

WestJet Reports Major Shift as Canadians Bypass US for Caribbean and European Travel

Airline sees 15-20% decline in US bookings while expanding transatlantic capacity by 27% to meet surging European demand

WestJet Airlines is witnessing a significant transformation in Canadian travel patterns, with CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech reporting a notable shift away from US destinations toward Caribbean and European markets. The Calgary-based carrier has documented a 15-20% decline in US bookings following escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States, prompting a strategic network realignment to capitalize on emerging demand patterns.

Political Tensions Drive Travel Choices

Speaking to CBCNN, von Hoensbroech attributed the US booking decline to political tensions and trade disputes that have influenced Canadian consumer sentiment throughout 2025. The drop represents a significant operational challenge for WestJet, though the CEO noted it is “not as severe as pandemic-era disruptions” but remains substantial enough to reshape the airline’s route planning.

“Those markets went through the roof during the winter season,” von Hoensbroech explained, referring to the surge in demand for Mexico, Caribbean, and European destinations. The shift reflects how geopolitical factors can rapidly alter established travel patterns, forcing airlines to adapt their capacity allocation strategies.

Network Strategy Pivot

WestJet has responded proactively to these changing demand patterns by substantially expanding its transatlantic operations. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, the airline is operating 141 more flights to Europe in June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024—a remarkable 27.1% increase that demonstrates the magnitude of demand shift.

The expansion has added 20,592 additional seats to European routes, representing a 15.6% capacity increase year-over-year. This strategic pivot enables WestJet to capture revenue that might otherwise be lost due to declining US demand while positioning the carrier in higher-yield international markets.

Atlantic Canada Focus

WestJet’s European expansion strategy centers significantly on Atlantic Canada, with Halifax and St. John’s serving as key gateways. The airline has launched several new seasonal routes including:

  • Halifax–Amsterdam: Six-weekly service launched in late May, running through October 26
  • Halifax–Barcelona: New seasonal route targeting leisure travelers
  • Halifax–Paris: Expanding French connectivity from the Maritime provinces
  • St. John’s–Paris: Direct service from Newfoundland to France
  • St. John’s–Dublin: Irish connectivity for Atlantic Canada

The Amsterdam service marks WestJet’s return to the Dutch capital after suspending operations following the winter 2022-23 season, when it operated a thrice-weekly Calgary-Amsterdam route.

Strategic Partnership Expansion

To maximize the value of its transatlantic expansion, WestJet has strengthened codeshare agreements with European carriers. The enhanced partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines allows passengers on the Halifax–Amsterdam service to connect to 14 destinations within KLM’s network, including Milan Linate, Marseille, Lisbon, and Brussels.

Similarly, the expanded Air France agreement provides seamless connectivity from Calgary, Halifax, and St. John’s to European destinations including Bucharest, Budapest, and Bologna via Paris Charles de Gaulle. These partnerships enable WestJet to offer comprehensive European itineraries through single booking interfaces, enhancing the passenger experience while extending the airline’s effective reach.

Scandinavian Connectivity

WestJet has also signed an interline agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to boost connectivity on transatlantic routes, further expanding travel options for Canadian passengers seeking European destinations. This agreement reflects the airline’s comprehensive approach to building European market presence through strategic partnerships.

Market Analysis and Implications

The documented shift in Canadian travel preferences highlights the interconnection between political relations and commercial aviation demand. WestJet’s experience demonstrates how airlines must remain agile in response to geopolitical developments that can significantly impact established route performance.

The 15-20% decline in US bookings represents substantial revenue impact, but WestJet’s rapid pivot to European and Caribbean markets shows the potential for airlines to compensate through strategic network adjustments. The success of this rebalancing will depend on sustaining the elevated European demand while monitoring potential recovery in US travel patterns.

Operational Considerations

The shift toward longer-haul European routes requires different operational considerations compared to shorter US flights. European services typically offer higher yields per passenger but require larger aircraft, longer crew duty times, and more complex scheduling arrangements. WestJet’s ability to efficiently deploy capacity on these routes will be crucial for maintaining profitability during this transition period.

Future Outlook

WestJet’s summer 2025 European expansion represents a significant bet on sustained demand for transatlantic travel from Canada. The airline’s success in this pivot could establish it as a more significant player in the Canada-Europe market, potentially creating long-term competitive advantages even if US demand eventually recovers.

The carrier’s enhanced partnership network with European airlines also positions it well for future growth, as these relationships can be leveraged to develop additional routes and improve passenger connectivity options.

As trade tensions between Canada and the United States continue to influence consumer behavior, WestJet’s strategic adaptation offers a case study in airline agility and the importance of maintaining diverse route portfolios to weather geopolitical uncertainties. The airline’s emphasis on Atlantic Canada as a European gateway also highlights opportunities for regional airports to develop international connectivity through strategic airline partnerships.

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  • : Author

    Pioneering the intersection of technology and aviation, Radu transforms complex industry insights into actionable intelligence. With a decade of aerospace experience, he's not just observing the industry—he's actively shaping its future narrative through The Flying Engineer.

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radu

radu

Owner of The Flying Engineer with 10 years of hands-on experience in aerospace, turning industry insights into practical knowledge.

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