Air Canada axes four US routes early as fuel costs spike amid Middle East tensions

Air Canada is cutting four seasonal routes to the US earlier than planned this year. The decision comes as fuel costs soar due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The airline had already reduced flights in April over financial concerns.

The affected flights include Toronto to Sacramento, Toronto to Charleston, Montreal to Austin, and Vancouver to Raleigh. The Sacramento route will end on August 1, while Charleston’s last flight leaves on September 6. Montreal’s Austin service stops on September 7, and Vancouver’s Raleigh connection finishes on July 29.

These routes were originally scheduled to run until late autumn. Air Canada has confirmed they will return in summer 2027. The airline had already suspended seven domestic and international routes in April. Those cuts represented about one per cent of its planned capacity for the year. Fuel prices have more than doubled since late February, when the US launched attacks on Iran. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has kept costs high, adding pressure on airline budgets.

Air Canada’s early cancellations follow months of financial strain. Higher fuel costs and reduced profitability have forced the airline to adjust its schedule. Passengers booked on these routes will need to find alternative travel options until 2027.