Air Canada has made the decision to suspend service on four seasonal routes to U.S. destinations earlier than planned due to the high cost of jet fuel. The affected routes and their last flight dates are as follows: Toronto to Sacramento (Aug. 1), Vancouver to Raleigh (July 29), Toronto to Charleston (Sept. 6), and Montreal to Austin (Sept. 7). The airline aims to resume full service on these routes in the summer of 2027. Impacted passengers will be provided with alternative travel options or refunds as necessary.
The surge in jet fuel prices, caused by the conflict in Iran and the resulting oil blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, has led airlines worldwide to reduce flights. Air Canada had previously announced the suspension of six routes that were deemed financially unsustainable, while WestJet has also decreased flight capacity in April, May, and June by consolidating flights and adjusting seasonal service durations.
In response to the jet fuel shortage, several airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, and Air Transat have disclosed plans to raise fares or implement surcharges to counter escalating costs.