Air Transat Joins WestJet, and Porter Airlines in Changing The Landscape of Florida Summer Travel in 2026: How You Need To Know

Written By: Anamika Talukder

Anamika Talukder

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February 15, 2026 5:50 PM

In a significant shakeup for Canadian travelers planning to visit Florida, Air Transat and WestJet have both announced major reductions to their Florida services for the summer of 2026. Air Transat, in particular, will suspend its only remaining U.S. routes to Florida, marking the end of its flights to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO). WestJet is also scaling back its Florida network, cutting service to several key cities, including Tampa, as part of a broader reduction in U.S. transborder operations. Meanwhile, Porter Airlines is bucking the trend, expanding its Florida service to meet ongoing demand for sun destinations.

What Happened: Air Transat and WestJet Cut Florida Routes

Air Transat has officially confirmed it will suspend all Florida flights for the Summer 2026 season, citing a decline in demand and the need to focus on more profitable markets like Europe and the Caribbean. The airline’s final Florida routes will be winding down with the following schedule:

• Montreal to Orlando: Service ends May 4, 2026.
• Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale: Service ends May 30, 2026.
• Montreal to Fort Lauderdale: Service ends June 13, 2026.

WestJet has also announced cuts to its U.S. network for Summer 2026, including reductions to Florida routes, alongside service cuts to cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Nashville. These moves come in response to a “notable decline” in demand for U.S. travel, particularly to Florida.

Why Are Air Transat and WestJet Cutting Florida Flights?

The decision by Air Transat and WestJet to reduce Florida services is largely driven by a sharp decrease in Canadian tourism to Florida. According to recent data, Canadian tourism to Florida has dropped by 15-20% over the past year, impacted by high travel costs and shifting political tensions. In Air Transat’s case, flights to the U.S. represented only 1% of its summer capacity, making Florida a less competitive and profitable route compared to Europe and the Caribbean.

WestJet has similarly cited a “notable decline” in demand for U.S. flights as the reason for scaling back its Florida routes. The airline will cut service to several U.S. cities, including Tampa, as part of its larger network adjustments.

Porter Airlines Expands Florida Service

In contrast to the trend of reductions by Air Transat and WestJet, Porter Airlines has announced that it will be expanding its Florida services for the summer of 2026. Porter will extend several of its winter seasonal routes, including Hamilton to Fort Lauderdale, throughout the summer. Additionally, Porter will continue to be the only airline offering sun-destination service from Ottawa, including flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

Porter’s expansion comes amid continued demand for Florida travel, and the airline is looking to capitalize on this by maintaining its sun-destination offerings throughout the summer months.

Impact on Florida Travel and Alternatives for Passengers

For travelers affected by Air Transat’s and WestJet’s cancellations, the airlines are required under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) to provide either a refund or rebooking options on alternate carriers. This will be particularly important for those with bookings for Florida flights beyond June 2026.

Air Canada and Porter Airlines will remain the primary airlines maintaining Florida capacity throughout the summer. Travelers seeking to visit Florida this summer will have to consider alternative options, particularly with Air Transat and WestJet reducing their footprint in the region.

What’s Driving the Decline in Florida Tourism?

Analysts attribute the drop in demand for Florida-bound flights to a combination of factors, including rising travel costs, inflation, and shifting political tensions. The 15-20% decline in Canadian tourism to Florida has left airlines reassessing the profitability of their U.S. routes. The cost of flying to Florida has risen, which, combined with geopolitical factors, has made the Sunshine State a less attractive destination for Canadian travelers in recent months.

Conclusion: Changing Dynamics of Florida Travel

Air Transat and WestJet’s decision to reduce their Florida routes for the Summer 2026 season marks a shift in the travel landscape between Canada and the U.S. While Air Transat halts its Florida services completely, WestJet reduces its Florida offerings, and Porter Airlines expands its capacity to meet ongoing demand.

For those planning Florida trips, alternatives from Air Canada and Porter remain available. Travelers should stay updated on flight availability and consider alternative carriers for their summer travel plans. As the travel industry adapts to new demand patterns, these changes are a reflection of the broader shifts in the aviation market, shaped by economic factors and changing tourism trends.

Image: Porter Airlines