WestJet suspends nine U.S. routes due to lower demand

WestJet is pausing nine routes between the U.S. and Canada as demand dampens for travel between the two countries.

A spokesperson for the airline confirmed the following suspensions in an email to CBC News:

• Vancouver-Austin (May through October)
• Calgary-Fort Lauderdale; Edmonton-Chicago; St. John's-Orlando; and Winnipeg-Orlando (June)
• Kelowna-Seattle-Tacoma; and Winnipeg-Los Angeles (June through August)
• Edmonton-Atlanta; and Winnipeg-Las Vegas (July through August)

The Edmonton-Chicago route returns June 28, the St. John's-Orlando route returns June 30 and the Winnipeg-Los Angeles route returns August 28. The others last until the end of the month.

"WestJet continuously evaluates and adjusts its schedule to meet demand, and we remain committed to reviewing opportunities for direct service on these routes in the future," the spokesperson said.

WestJet announced in April that it would add new domestic routes within Canada and make it easier to connect with flights to Europe.

The changes come as fewer Canadians travel south amid trade-related tensions, and as U.S. president Donald Trump continues using annexationist rhetoric toward Canada, which he has repeatedly said should be the 51st state.