Air Canada axes four US routes early amid soaring fuel costs and financial strain

Air Canada is cutting four seasonal US routes earlier than expected this year. The decision follows recent financial challenges and rising fuel costs. The affected flights will now end between late July and early September. The airline will stop its Vancouver to Raleigh service on July 29. Two Toronto routes—Toronto to Sacramento and Toronto to Charleston—will finish on August 1 and September 6, respectively. The Montreal to Austin flight will also cease on September 7.

These changes come after Air Canada suspended seven domestic and international routes in April. The earlier cuts accounted for roughly one per cent of the airline’s planned capacity. Officials cited profitability concerns as the main reason for the reductions.

Fuel prices have surged since late February, more than doubling due to the conflict in the Middle East. The spike followed US airstrikes on Iran, adding pressure to airline operating costs. Despite the current cuts, Air Canada has confirmed that these routes will return in summer 2027. The early closures affect two Toronto flights, one from Montreal, and one from Vancouver. Passengers booked on these routes will need to adjust travel plans before the final dates. The airline has not announced alternative arrangements for displaced travellers.