Canada–Mexico Air Travel Jumps 20% in 1H25 Amid US Tensions

Air travel between Canada and Mexico surged in 1H25, with passenger volume rising 20.3% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). The growth comes as Canadian carriers expand operations and more travelers choose Mexico over traditional US destinations amid ongoing trade and political tensions between Canada and the United States.

WestJet is a key driver of this trend, preparing to operate 52% of all flights between Canadian and Mexican cities during the upcoming winter season, including a new nonstop route between Calgary and Puerto Escondido launching Dec. 12, 2025. “With the addition of this route, WestJet will cover 52% of all flights between Canada and Mexico this winter season,” stated Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME). Earlier this year, WestJet accounted for nearly 40% of air traffic between the two countries.

From January through June, more than 3.7 million passengers traveled between Mexico and Canada, up from roughly 3.07 million in the same period last year. Airlines driving this growth include WestJet, Air Canada, Air Transat, Flair, and Aeroméxico, which collectively operated over 22,000 flights—a 15.7% increase year over year. Key Canadian destinations from Mexico include Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. The new Calgary–Puerto Escondido route brings WestJet’s total to 15 nonstop connections between Calgary and Mexico.

Puerto Escondido airport, undergoing modernization to accommodate larger aircraft and more international traffic, is expected to close 2025 with over one million passengers—more than double its 2021 volume when AME assumed administration. “This new route gives Puerto Escondido a second direct flight to Canada and supports its international growth,” said AME.

The rise in Canada–Mexico air travel reflects a broader shift in Canadian tourism patterns. In July, return trips by Canadians from the United States by car fell 37% year over year, totaling 1.7 million crossings, according to Statistics Canada. Air travel back to Canada from the United States declined 25%, while US air travel to Canada grew only 0.7%. These shifts follow deteriorating Canada–US relations, marked by new tariffs and controversial political rhetoric, prompting some Canadian travel agents to advise against US travel.

Meanwhile, Mexico continues to see tourism growth. The country welcomed 23.4 million international visitors in 1H25, up 7.3% from the same period in 2024 and 6.2% above 2019 levels.