US And Canada Travel Rivalry Reaches New Heights As Air Canada, WestJet, And Porter Airlines Lead Surge In Caribbean Tourism To Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, And Cuba Amid 70% Booking Decline

Published on December 26, 2025

US and Canada travel rivalry reaches new heights as Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines lead the surge in Caribbean tourism to Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba amid a 70% booking decline caused by escalating political tensions, tariffs, and anti-Canada rhetoric. With US-bound travel from Canada dropping significantly due to these factors, Canadian airlines have strategically shifted focus, ramping up service to sun-soaked Caribbean destinations. This pivot has provided a lifeline for airlines, who are now catering to a growing demand for tropical getaways, offering Canadians new routes and convenient access to some of the most popular beach destinations in the region.

The simmering tensions between the United States and Canada have taken a toll on the travel industry, sending shockwaves through the airline sector. As US-bound travel from Canada drops dramatically due to tariffs, trade disputes, and anti-Canada rhetoric, travelers are redirecting their plans. This shift is benefiting Caribbean destinations, which have become the new go-to for Canadian tourists looking to escape the tensions and soak up the sun. Leading this change are Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines, who are significantly increasing their Caribbean offerings.

The US-Canada Travel Standoff: What’s Driving the Shift?

The rise in political tensions between the US and Canada has set the stage for a drastic change in the travel habits of Canadians. Tariffs on Canadian goods and divisive political rhetoric, particularly following remarks from former President Trump, have led to a notable decrease in US-bound travel. With this backdrop, Canadian travelers are increasingly opting for the Caribbean, a region that promises both affordable options and tropical allure. This shift has caused a ripple effect across Canadian airlines, which are now tailoring their services to cater to the growing demand for sun-filled getaways.

Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines Freeze US Routes as US-Canada Tensions Impact Travel Plans

Air Canada Expands Caribbean Routes: A Strategic Pivot

Air Canada, one of the country’s largest airlines, has been forced to adjust its strategy in response to the downturn in US demand. The airline has ramped up its Caribbean network, offering more direct flights to some of the most sought-after beach destinations. Here’s a breakdown of Air Canada’s new routes:

• Ottawa (YOW) to Nassau (NAS) – Weekly flights from December 2025 to April 2026.
• Ottawa (YOW) to Montego Bay (MBJ) – Weekly flights from December 2025 to April 2026.
• Halifax (YHZ) to Nassau (NAS) – Weekly flights from December 2025 to April 2026.
• Halifax (YHZ) to Montego Bay (MBJ) – Weekly flights from December 2025 to April 2026.

These new services aim to bring Canadians to the Caribbean, where tourism is on the rise and demand for flights remains high.

WestJet’s Strategic Caribbean Expansion: New Routes for 2026

WestJet, known for its extensive network across North America and beyond, has made a bold move to counter the loss of US passengers by aggressively expanding its Caribbean offerings. For the summer of 2026, WestJet will be introducing several new nonstop routes to key Caribbean destinations. Here’s a look at the new WestJet routes that will connect Canadian cities to the Caribbean:

• Toronto (YYZ) to Puerto Plata (POP), Dominican Republic – Weekly seasonal service starting summer 2026.
• Montreal (YUL) to Puerto Plata (POP), Dominican Republic – Weekly seasonal service starting summer 2026.
• Montreal (YUL) to Samaná (AZS), Dominican Republic – Weekly seasonal service starting summer 2026.
• Quebec City (YQB) to Cayo Coco (CCC), Cuba – Weekly seasonal service starting summer 2026.
• Winnipeg (YWG) to Cancun (CUN), Mexico – Weekly seasonal service starting summer 2026.

WestJet’s push into the Caribbean market comes as part of a broader strategy to focus on sun destinations amid reduced US demand. This shift is expected to capture the attention of Canadian tourists who have long flocked to these popular resorts.

Porter Airlines Enters the Caribbean Market with New Routes

Porter Airlines, traditionally known for its regional flights, is taking a leap into the Caribbean market with its first-ever direct routes to the region. Starting in early 2026, Porter will begin flying from Montreal to Nassau, Bahamas, offering more flexibility for Canadian travelers.

• Montreal (YUL) to Nassau (NAS), Bahamas – Three weekly flights starting February 5, 2026.

This new addition will provide Montreal-based travelers with a convenient and affordable way to reach the stunning beaches of the Bahamas, further fueling the Caribbean boom.

The Ripple Effect: US Route Cancellations and Caribbean Growth

As Canadian airlines cut back on US routes due to reduced demand, the Caribbean has become a sanctuary for airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines. The trend of focusing on sun destinations is a response to shifting political dynamics that have led to an increase in anti-Canada sentiment in the US.

Here are some notable US route cancellations:

• Air Canada:
  • Suspended five key US routes starting in the winter of 2025-2026, including Montreal-Detroit (DTW), Montreal-Minneapolis (MSP), and Toronto-Indianapolis (IND).
  • Reduced services on Montreal-San Francisco and Montreal-Miami routes.
• WestJet:
  • Suspended nine US routes, including Vancouver-Austin (AUS) and Vancouver-Orlando (MCO).
  • Temporary pause on routes like Edmonton-Chicago and Vancouver-Palm Springs.
• Porter Airlines:
  • Canceled two US routes, including Toronto-San Diego (SAN) and Montreal-Las Vegas (LAS).

These US route suspensions have allowed Canadian airlines to redirect their focus to Caribbean and European destinations.

Caribbean Tourism Soars as Canadian Airlines Shift Focus

The Caribbean is experiencing a boom as a result of this dramatic shift. Key destinations such as Mexico, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica have seen a surge in Canadian tourists, and the airlines are responding by increasing service to these regions.

Mexico continues to be one of the top choices, with Cancun (CUN) being a hot favorite for its all-inclusive resorts, cultural heritage, and lively nightlife. WestJet’s new service from Winnipeg to Cancun is expected to further boost Canadian arrivals to this popular Mexican destination.

The Bahamas is another popular Caribbean destination seeing increased interest. Nassau (NAS) is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and rich history, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a tropical escape. Porter Airlines’ new flights from Montreal to Nassau will provide more accessibility for Canadian tourists looking to enjoy the island’s idyllic beauty.

Cuba, particularly Cayo Coco and Varadero, remains a staple for Canadian sun-seekers. WestJet’s new route from Quebec City to Cayo Coco will add convenience for travelers from Quebec looking to visit Cuba’s pristine beaches and vibrant culture.

Jamaica, with its warm climate, beaches, and lively resorts, continues to attract Canadian visitors. Air Canada’s weekly flights to Montego Bay will add to the variety of options for those seeking a laid-back tropical holiday with a touch of adventure.

Caribbean Takeoff: New Routes from Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines Cater to Shifting Canadian Travel Preferences

What’s Next for the US-Canada Travel Landscape?

While the political climate between the US and Canada continues to evolve, it’s clear that the Caribbean will remain a key focus for Canadian airlines in the foreseeable future. Airlines are already planning to expand even further into this region as demand continues to rise, and Canadian travelers show a preference for the Caribbean’s sunny allure over colder, politically charged destinations.

For now, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas are at the forefront of this travel shift. Canadian airlines are well-positioned to meet this demand, offering more routes and better access to these sought-after destinations.

The ongoing US-Canada travel tensions have pushed Canadian airlines to rethink their route networks. In response, Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines are boosting their Caribbean offerings, providing more direct flights to Mexico, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica. This strategic pivot is benefiting both airlines and the Caribbean tourism industry as Canadians seek out new and attractive vacation options.

US and Canada travel rivalry reaches new heights as Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines lead the surge in Caribbean tourism to Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba amid a 70% booking decline, driven by political tensions, tariffs, and anti-Canada rhetoric. In response, Canadian airlines are shifting focus to the Caribbean, offering more direct flights to popular sun destinations.

With a marked shift from US destinations to Caribbean paradises, the future of travel between the US and Canada may look different, but for now, the Caribbean is winning the travel tug-of-war.