Canadian Flair Airlines has discontinued its flights to Nashville, Tennessee, as political tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate. Flair’s Communications Director, Kim Bowie, confirmed the decision, noting that Nashville was the airline’s only route to Tennessee. The cancellation results in the loss of approximately 18,000 seats, according to Mark Ezell, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. While expressing concern over the loss, Ezell remained optimistic, citing the state’s many attractions as a way to overcome the setback.
The strain in the relationship between Canada and the U.S. has grown since President Donald Trump’s second election victory and the implementation of extensive tariffs.
The tensions have led to Canadians booing the U.S. national anthem at sports events, boycotting American goods like Tennessee whiskey, and even altering travel plans. Travel agency Flight Centre Travel Group Canada reported a 40% decrease in leisure travel to the U.S. compared to last year. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the situation, saying Canadians are choosing to support local products and avoid American destinations.
Meanwhile, other Canadian airlines have scaled back U.S. flights as well. Air Canada announced reductions in flights to Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, while WestJet noted that many bookings were shifted from the U.S. to Mexico and the Caribbean. Sunwing Airlines has halted all U.S. flights, and Air Transat has also cut back. Porter Airlines has stopped advertising U.S. flights, fearing a negative response from Canadians.
