Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines face potential disruption to International Flights as DHS Mulls Pulling CBP From San Francisco International Airport and Other Sanctuary City Airports — Canada, UK Travel Could Shift in 2026

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Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines are bracing for a potential disruption that could shake up the international travel landscape in 2026. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Markwayne Mullin, has raised the prospect of removing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from major airports in sanctuary cities, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and others. This controversial move could lead to severe delays in immigration processing, directly impacting millions of travelers, particularly from top markets like Canada and the United Kingdom. For U.S. airlines, this means more than just operational hiccups; it could result in cancelled flights, reduced international routes, and a sharp decline in customer satisfaction. As the airline industry struggles to recover from pandemic-related losses, this shift could further complicate their efforts, with international travelers seeking alternative, more streamlined routes to their destinations. While the changes are still being considered, the ripple effect on the hospitality and tourism industries could be significant, leaving travelers wondering how it might impact their upcoming trips. With the looming threat of long immigration lines and flight disruptions, the travel experience for many might soon look very different—and not for the better.

As international travel continues to rebound, major U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines face a possible disruption that could impact millions of travelers worldwide. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering removing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel from key international airports in sanctuary cities, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and others. This potential move, if implemented, would send shockwaves through the airline, tourism, and hospitality industries, significantly affecting travel patterns, particularly from top international markets like Canada and the United Kingdom.

The impact of this policy change could reverberate across the U.S. travel industry, especially at major airports where international flights are a cornerstone of their economic activity. The question arises: how will these disruptions affect travelers, airlines, and the wider tourism ecosystem in the coming years?

Potential Disruption to Major U.S. Airlines

As the DHS weighs its options, airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines could face substantial operational disruptions if CBP officers are pulled from their key hubs. This move would directly impact their ability to process international flights smoothly and efficiently. The repercussions would not be limited to delays in immigration processing; they would extend to long-lasting consequences for airlines’ schedules, routes, and profitability.

The withdrawal of CBP staff could lead to bottlenecks at already strained airports, exacerbating the strain that many travelers have experienced in recent years. Flights from Canada, the UK, and other major markets might experience delays due to longer processing times and security checks, making them less attractive to international visitors. For U.S. airlines, this could lead to reduced flight frequencies, route cancellations, and declining customer satisfaction, further compounding challenges for airlines struggling to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

Impact on Canada and the United Kingdom’s Travel to the U.S.

Canada and the United Kingdom are among the largest source markets for U.S. tourism, and any disruptions in airport operations would directly affect travelers from these countries. Canada, which has been experiencing significant declines in visitation to the U.S., could see even fewer visitors if international travel becomes more complicated. According to recent data, Canadian visits to the U.S. were down by around 11.9% in late 2025. This reduction is already contributing to the broader decline in U.S. tourism, and the potential removal of CBP officers could further deter Canadian tourists.

Similarly, the UK, which has long been a primary market for American tourism, may reconsider its travel patterns. The latest figures show that UK visitation to the U.S. has fallen by over 5.6% since 2024. If travelers face longer processing times and less-efficient airport experiences, many UK visitors may opt for alternative destinations in Europe or Canada, where entry is perceived as easier and less time-consuming.

The Effect on the U.S. Hospitality and Tourism Industry

The removal of CBP from major international airports in sanctuary cities could also reverberate throughout the hospitality industry. In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, international tourism is a vital driver of revenue for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other service providers. A significant drop in international visitors could have a ripple effect, leading to hotel room cancellations, lower restaurant sales, and reduced demand for tours and experiences.

The hospitality industry is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in international arrivals, as overseas visitors tend to spend more during their trips than domestic tourists. According to industry data, international travelers in the U.S. spent over $200 billion annually before the pandemic. A disruption in airport operations would result in fewer visitors and lower per-capita spending, ultimately reducing the industry’s overall economic contribution.

What Travelers Need to Know Before Flying

For travelers planning trips to the U.S., understanding the potential changes in airport operations is essential. While the DHS’s proposal has not yet been fully implemented, travelers should be prepared for longer wait times at customs and immigration checkpoints if CBP officers are removed from key airports. Here are a few important travel tips to consider:

1. Arrive Early: With the possibility of longer processing times at sanctuary city airports, it’s crucial to arrive earlier than usual to ensure ample time for security checks and immigration procedures.
2. Check for Updates: Stay informed about potential changes to your flight itinerary and any travel advisories issued by the U.S. government or your airline. This will help you avoid disruptions and plan accordingly.
3. Consider Alternative Airports: If your destination is in a sanctuary city like San Francisco or Los Angeles, you may want to explore alternate airports in nearby areas, such as Oakland or San Jose, which might not be affected by the proposed changes.

Flight Information and Travel Routes Affected by CBP Removal

The potential removal of CBP officers from major airports will likely affect certain international flights, especially those with heavy traffic from the most prominent source countries. Below is a table highlighting the airlines and countries that may be impacted:

Travelers’ Action Checklist

1. Check for Visa Requirements: Ensure your visa or ESTA approval is up to date, as visa delays may also be exacerbated by the changes.
2. Monitor Airline Updates: Stay on top of airline communications and updates about potential delays and cancellations.
3. Plan for Extra Time: Be prepared for longer processing times at U.S. immigration checkpoints if you’re arriving at an airport in a sanctuary city.
4. Consider Alternative Airports: If possible, check if your airline is offering rerouted flights through non-affected airports, or explore alternative entry points.
5. Book Flexible Tickets: Given the uncertainties in travel, booking flexible flight tickets may allow you to adjust your plans if needed.

Impact on the Travel and Tourism Sector in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the potential disruption caused by the removal of CBP officers could result in a sluggish recovery for U.S. tourism. In 2025, U.S. tourism saw a 6% decline in international arrivals, with several large markets like Canada, the UK, and Germany contributing to this downturn. If CBP services are withdrawn from airports in sanctuary cities, further declines in international tourism are likely, especially from countries with strong flight links to these airports.

International visitors play a significant role in the U.S. economy, not only through direct spending but also by supporting jobs in various industries, including hospitality, transport, and retail. The hospitality industry alone generates billions in revenue annually, with hotels and restaurants in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles heavily reliant on international guests.

If the policy is enacted, the U.S. tourism industry could lose out on significant revenue, with top markets such as Canada, the UK, and Brazil likely to reduce their trips to the U.S. due to increased travel friction. These markets typically account for millions of visitors each year, and any disruption in their ability to enter the U.S. will have a profound effect on both airlines and the tourism economy.

FAQ

1. What airlines are most affected by the potential removal of CBP officers?

Airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines could face disruptions to international flights from major markets like Canada, the UK, and Brazil due to potential delays at immigration checkpoints. These delays may result in longer wait times and route cancellations.

2. How will this affect my travel if I’m flying from the UK or Canada?

If you’re flying from the UK or Canada to the U.S., you may experience longer wait times at immigration checkpoints, especially if you are landing at airports in sanctuary cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. Consider arriving earlier or exploring alternative airports.

3. Should I rebook my flight if I’m flying into a sanctuary city?

It’s advisable to monitor your airline’s updates closely. If your flight is affected by delays or cancellations due to CBP staff shortages, consider rerouting via non-sanctuary city airports like Chicago or New York, or opt for alternative travel routes.

Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines are facing potential disruptions as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security considers removing Customs and Border Protection from major airports in sanctuary cities. This move could lead to delays and rerouted flights, especially for travelers from Canada, the UK, and other key markets.

In conclusion, the potential removal of CBP officers from major U.S. airports could have a far-reaching impact on international travel, especially for airlines and the hospitality industry. Travelers should stay informed, plan ahead, and be prepared for possible disruptions as 2026 approaches.