Just a couple of months ago, Air Canada was catching Canadian snowbirds off guard by canceling flights to warm U.S. destinations in the winter, such as Jacksonville, Florida. That trend continues throughout 2025, as the likes of Air Canada and WestJet boldly cut several routes to the United States due to lower demand.
Despite the recent trends, the tides might be turning. Canadians haven’t banned the United States just yet, as one travel category proves travel between America and Canada is still very much alive and well. Recent data proves business travel remains high between the two countries, and even comparable compared to last year. With that in mind, Air Canada has launched a new first-of-its-kind flight, which can be beneficial for both leisure and business purposes.
Here’s a closer look at the route and other new U.S. destinations Air Canada passengers can expect in May 2026.
Air Canada Just Launched A New First-Ever Route Between Toronto And San Antonio
Air Canada has announced major new routes for May 2026. Among the new routes includes a “first-of-its-kind” route between Toronto and San Antonio. The new route is set to operate as of May 1, 2026, with three weekly flights using the Airbus A220 aircraft.
That’s not all; Air Canada is launching two other U.S. flights as well.
Other New May 2026 Flights To The United States:
- Montreal (YUL) – Cleveland (CLE)
- Montreal (YUL) – Columbus (CMH)
Both the Cleveland and Columbus routes will run daily. The Cleveland flight will be operated by the Embraer E175 aircraft. The same aircraft will be used on the Columbus route as well.
Although the decision might be surprising to some given the drop-off in travel to the U.S., it does make sense from a business-travel standpoint, as San Antonio is a massive Texas hub for Canadians.
Air Canada has also stressed that visitors may take a flight to San Antonio for leisure reasons.
The airline wrote on its website, “For your next travel adventure, discover San Antonio! From the San Antonio River Walk and its gorgeous canals to the natural beauty of Texas Hill Country and its delicious wines, there is something for everyone to experience. Enjoy daily non-stop flights year-round to this charming Texas gem.”
As far as the data is concerned, international travel to San Antonio has dipped this year.
However, the numbers for business travel to the United States remains promising, especially among Canadians.
Recent Data Suggest Air Canada Made The Right Call, Especially From A Business-Travel Standpoint
As far as international travel is concerned, San Antonio International Airport fell by almost 8% in June compared to 2024, according to San Antonio Express News.
Capacity has also dipped by 10% this year.
However, despite the concerning data, the tide might be turning. Although Canadians have shunned the U.S. for leisure travel, business travel remains just as high compared to last year, according to recent statistics from SAP Concur. This was in fact a significant reason as to why Air Canada rolled out the new first-of-its-kind route, as business travel to Texas remains strong among Canadians.
Within the first six months of 2025, the U.S. accounted for at least 79% of all business travel from Canada. Second to that is the United Kingdom, with a mere 3% of business travel among Canadians.
Air Canada recognizes that the tide may be turning. Not only is business travel high, but Americans in San Antonio have been very welcoming of Canadians despite the recent political tensions.
San Antonio Residents Have Been Very Welcoming Of Canadians Despite Recent Travel Tension
As expected, Canadians had concerns about traveling to San Antonio given the border tension between the United States and Canada.
One Canadian asked online earlier in the year:
“Canadian here. I’m traveling to San Antonio soon for work. I’ve been looking forward to exploring your city a bit between work requirements but, if I’m being honest, the current rhetoric of your president is casting a bit of a shadow. I’ve always loved traveling in the US, interacting with Americans, and exploring your cities. I’m less enthusiastic about those things at the moment tbh. What’s the vibe in San Antonio? Am I walking into the lion’s den? Should I keep my Canadian identity to myself?”
In response, Americans were overly positive, welcoming the Canadian traveler with open arms, despite the media scrutiny.
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Americans React To Canadian San Antonio Concerns: |
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“You will be way more than fine. Super friendly town, and I guarantee you. The Canada stuff is just Trump, not your everyday American. Enjoy your visit!” |
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“San Antonio thrives on tourism! Come on down and enjoy some warm weather.” |
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“Literally no one in San Antonio cares about Canadian politics or Canadian tourists. You’ll be just fine and locals will be more than happy to entertain and talk to you as you visit.” |
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“San Antonio is very much used to tourists. Also San Antonions are fairly friendly imo (I’ve lived here 10 years).” |
A Canadian added, “Canadian here in SA. I came last year and honestly, I felt nothing but hospitality.”
Clearly, San Antonio is welcoming Canadians with open arms, despite all the concerns piling up in 2025.
It remains to be seen what the future holds. However, for now, it appears that companies like Air Canada are gradually shifting their approach, adding U.S. flights instead of cutting them.
