Air Canada is set to discontinue five routes connecting Canada with the United States in 2027, including its only direct service to South Carolina. The decision comes as airlines continue to adjust their schedules in response to changing passenger demand, rising operating costs and evolving cross-border travel patterns.
The cancellations will affect connections from Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, with some travellers needing to consider alternative routes when planning trips to these destinations.
Which Air Canada Routes Are Being Cancelled in 2027?
Air Canada has announced the cancellation of five routes serving U.S. destinations. The affected services include:
Montreal to Seattle
Vancouver to Nashville
Vancouver to Raleigh-Durham
Toronto Billy Bishop Airport to Boston
Toronto Pearson to Charleston, South Carolina
The Toronto Pearson to Charleston route is particularly significant because it is Air Canada’s only direct connection between Canada and South Carolina. Its cancellation will affect travellers who previously relied on the service to reach the state without a connecting flight.
Charleston and other parts of South Carolina attract Canadian visitors, particularly during the colder months. However, changing travel preferences and reduced demand have put pressure on some routes serving popular winter destinations.
Canadian Travel to the U.S. Remains Below 2024 Levels
Recent travel data suggests that Canadian visits to the United States have been recovering in some areas but remain below previous levels.
According to Statistics Canada, Canadians made approximately 1.9 million return trips from the U.S. in September. This represented a 6.8% increase compared with September of the previous year.
Air travel trips increased by 11.6% year over year during the same month. Despite this improvement, air travel remained 18.7% below September 2024 levels.
Several factors have influenced cross-border travel patterns, including political tensions, repeated annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump and multiple rounds of tariffs associated with the trade dispute between the two countries.
These developments have contributed to changing attitudes towards U.S. travel among some Canadians, creating additional challenges for airlines operating routes between the neighbouring countries.
South Carolina Sees a Significant Drop in Canadian Visitors
South Carolina has been particularly affected by the shift in Canadian travel demand.
The state is a popular winter destination for Canadian snowbirds seeking warmer weather during the colder months. Myrtle Beach, in particular, has traditionally attracted seasonal visitors from Canada.
However, a report from the University of Toronto’s School of Cities found that trips by Canadians to Myrtle Beach declined by more than 65% between the 2024/25 and 2025/26 periods. The report identified this as the steepest decline among U.S. cities included in the research.
Air Canada had already adjusted its seasonal Toronto-Charleston service earlier in 2026. In May, the airline announced that some seasonal flights would be suspended earlier than usual amid rising jet fuel prices. The Toronto-Charleston service typically operated between May and September.
The airline has now announced that the route will be cancelled indefinitely, rather than simply suspended for a seasonal period.
Air Canada Is Adding Other U.S. Routes in Summer 2027
While five routes are being discontinued, Air Canada is also planning to introduce new U.S. services in summer 2027.
The planned additions include:
Toronto to Louisville
Montreal to Indianapolis
Edmonton to Newark
These changes indicate that the airline is continuing to adjust its U.S. network rather than withdrawing from the market entirely. Capacity is being shifted between destinations as the airline responds to customer demand and seasonal travel patterns.
In July, Air Canada also announced that it would cancel winter services between Montreal and Detroit, Montreal and Minneapolis, and Toronto and Indianapolis.
At the time, an airline spokesperson said the changes were intended to ensure that capacity remained aligned with customer demand and seasonal travel patterns.
Other Canadian Airlines Are Also Reducing U.S. Services
Air Canada is not the only Canadian airline adjusting its U.S. schedules.
In the spring, WestJet announced the cancellation of 10 summer routes to the United States, citing a notable decline in demand.
Air Transat also announced schedule reductions in April, pointing to higher fuel prices associated with the Iran war.
Together, these changes highlight the challenges airlines face when balancing operating costs, passenger demand and seasonal travel trends. Route adjustments can affect not only leisure travellers but also travel agencies and businesses that depend on reliable connections between Canadian and American cities.
What the Route Changes Mean for Travellers and Travel Agencies
Travellers planning trips between Canada and the United States in 2027 should check flight availability before finalising their itineraries, particularly if they intend to visit destinations affected by the cancellations.
Passengers who previously relied on direct services may need to consider alternative airports, connecting flights or different travel dates. It is also worth checking airline schedules regularly, as seasonal services and route availability can change.
Travel agencies and travel management companies must also keep track of these developments to help customers find suitable alternatives. B2B airfare platforms such as Travelagentmall can be relevant to travel professionals researching airfare options and booking alternatives for their customers. Available routes and fares should always be verified against current schedules.
At the same time, changes in airline networks highlight the importance of distribution technology for travel businesses. TWAI provides airline distribution and travel technology solutions, including NDC-related capabilities, that support the evolving airline retailing ecosystem.
For travel businesses, staying informed about schedule changes, distribution options and shifting demand can help them respond more effectively when popular routes become unavailable.
What Happens Next?
Air Canada’s latest cancellations reflect a broader adjustment in transborder air travel, with demand, fuel costs and seasonal booking patterns influencing airline decisions.
Although the airline is removing several U.S. services, its planned summer 2027 additions show that selected markets continue to present opportunities.
For travellers, the key takeaway is to review flight schedules before booking and remain flexible when planning cross-border trips. For travel agencies and the wider travel industry, monitoring airline announcements and maintaining access to alternative booking options will remain important as schedules evolve.
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