WestJet Cancelling Flights from Alberta to the US
Overview of the Changes
In spring of 2025 WestJet made sweeping changes to its schedule. Most notably they cancelled several direct routes from Alberta to US destinations. Two key examples are the Calgary to New York LaGuardia route and the Edmonton to Orlando route. These planned seasonal services were pulled for summer 2025 and no longer appear in the schedule.
WestJet leadership explained that bookings to the US have declined sharply. Instead demand has shifted toward destinations in Mexico the Caribbean and Europe. Consequently route adjustments were necessary to align capacity with shifting traveler preferences.
What US Routes from Alberta Were Affected?
WestJet officially suspended multiple US routes out of Alberta including:
- Calgary International to New York LaGuardia (summer 2025 cancelled)
- Edmonton International to Orlando (summer seasonal route suspended)
- Additionally other popular US-bound service including Edmonton to Chicago, Calgary to Fort Lauderdale, and Calgary to Los Angeles or Chicago were suspended or scaled back in capacity.
These cancellations reflect an overall capacity reduction of roughly 14 to 16 percent on Canada‑US routes during peak summer months.
Why Did WestJet Pull these US Flights?
The airline attributed cancellations to a shift in customer preferences. Booking data revealed Canadians were opting for sun destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean or transatlantic travel rather than US cities. Rates to US destinations dropped by about 40 percent in early 2025 compared to 2024.
Additional factors included trade tensions, registration requirements for longer US stays, and broader political dynamics discouraging travel to the United States.
Passenger Reaction and Community Feedback
Frequent flyers and local travelers noticed that previously direct flights such as Edmonton to Montreal or Winnipeg to Ottawa were rebooked through Calgary or Toronto. Several Reddit community members confirmed that:
- Direct YEG to YUL flights disappeared beginning late April into the new schedule.
- Travelers were rerouted via Calgary or Toronto adding hours to their trip.
- Many chose to cancel their WestJet bookings entirely and fly competitors like Air Canada because the indirect routes were less convenient.
In some cases agents offered to extend travel credit validity to reduce value lost due to changes.
Has WestJet Expanded Other Routes from Alberta?
Yes. At the same time the airline cut US routes they expanded domestic and international service. Notably:
- Edmonton gained nonstop service to Salt Lake City and Chicago starting summer 2025.
- Significant growth occurred across domestic routes including Toronto Vancouver Ottawa and Calgary.
- More international departures to Mexico the Caribbean and Europe were added from Alberta hubs to compensate for lost US connectivity.
One report noted Edmonton capacity was up 23 percent over summer 2024 including new transborder routes beyond the US.
What It Means for Travelers from Alberta
If you planned to fly direct from Alberta to US cities like LaGuardia or Orlando in 2025 you’ll face these realities:
- WestJet has cancelled those seasonal direct flights.
- Your booking may be rerouted through other Canadian airports like Calgary or Toronto or you may be offered alternative options.
- You can choose a refund or rebooking options in line with WestJet policy.
- Many travellers are pivoting to alternative destinations including Mexico Caribbean or Europe where WestJet is growing service.
Strategic Outlook for WestJet
These cancellations are part of a broader strategic review. WestJet appears to be pivoting:
- Away from US domestic leisure and short haul business routes, where demand dropped sharply.
- Toward sun destinations Mexico Caribbean and transatlantic routes from Atlantic Canada and Calgary.
- Toward enhanced domestic connectivity within Canada and new route launches.
This is reinforced by a recent partnership where Delta and Korean Air invested in WestJet to improve global connectivity.
Table Summary of Route Status
| Departure Airport | US Route | Status Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary (YYC) | New York LaGuardia | Cancelled |
| Edmonton (YEG) | Orlando | Cancelled |
| Edmonton | Chicago | Resumed only post June 28 |
| Calgary | Fort Lauderdale | Suspended June–August |
| Kelowna (YLW) | Seattle | Suspended June–August |
| Winnipeg (YWG) | Las Vegas | Suspended July–August |
What You Can Do If Affected
If you were booked on a cancelled flight you have a few options:
- Accept a refund and cancel completely.
- Choose a rebooking via another city or rerouted itinerary.
- Fly alternate routes such as into New York JFK instead of LaGuardia.
- Travel insurers or credit card protections may also apply.
Western Canadian travelers should book early or explore alternatives via Vancouver or domestic connections to maintain US access.
Final Thoughts
Yes WestJet is cancelling specific Alberta to US flights for summer 2025. This decision reflects evolving demand trends and geopolitical sentiment affecting cross border travel. The result is fewer nonstop options, but expanded sun and international services.
If you relied on direct service from Calgary or Edmonton to US destinations in 2025 you will likely need to reroute, cancel, or pick alternative airlines. WestJet continues to invest heavily in other regions and expand its schedule of destinations outside the United States.
Travelers should recheck their itineraries or contact WestJet directly for options. If you want help drafting an alternative routing or refund request message I am happy to assist.
Would you like a printable summary or itinerary adjustment suggestions for your trip planning?