Air Canada Cuts Key New York Routes as Fuel Costs Bite

Air Canada is pulling some of its planes from the busy Toronto and Montreal routes to New York's JFK airport this summer. The airline confirmed the temporary suspension, set to run from June 1 through October 25, pointing directly to a sharp increase in jet fuel prices.

The decision reflects a broader strain on the industry. Since late February, conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted oil markets, sending fuel costs soaring. While a recent ceasefire has brought some relief, prices remain high enough to make certain flights unsustainable. "Jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict," the airline stated, explaining that some lower-profit routes are no longer viable.

According to reports, one Montreal-JFK and three Toronto-JFK flights will be paused. Affected passengers will be offered alternatives, primarily through New York's LaGuardia and Newark Liberty airports, where Air Canada says it will continue operating 34 daily flights from six Canadian cities.

The adjustments extend beyond New York. The carrier will also suspend its Toronto-Salt Lake City route starting June 30, with a planned return in 2027, and delay a new Montreal-Guadalajara service. In total, the changes will trim about 1% of its passenger capacity.

Air Canada is not alone. EasyJet recently forecast heavy losses, while Australian carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia have raised fares and cut flights. A warning from the International Energy Agency adds to the pressure, noting that Europe's jet fuel reserves could run low in weeks, potentially leading to more cancellations if Middle East oil flows remain unstable.