Quick summary
Air Canada suspends all service from Toronto and Montreal to JFK Airport from June 1 through October 25, 2026, eliminating 14 weekly flights as jet fuel prices doubled following the Iran conflict. The airline also cuts service to Salt Lake City, Fort McMurray, Yellowknife, and Guadalajara — affecting roughly 1% of annual capacity but forcing thousands of passengers to rebook through LaGuardia, Newark, or competing carriers at fares 22–30% higher than original bookings.
Service to LaGuardia and Newark continues with 34 daily departures from six Canadian cities, but travelers with existing JFK bookings must contact the airline immediately for rebooking. Salt Lake City loses its only nonstop Canadian connection until 2027.
Air Canada cuts six routes as fuel costs erase margins
The airline announced last Friday that jet fuel prices have doubled since the Iran conflict began in late February, making several lower-volume routes economically unviable. The cuts take effect between late May and early July, with JFK service suspended for nearly five months and Salt Lake City service halted for at least six months.
Passengers holding reservations on affected routes will receive automatic rebooking notifications to alternative airports or connecting flights. The airline operates 34 daily flights from Toronto and Montreal to LaGuardia and Newark, which remain unaffected by the suspension.
Fort McMurray and Yellowknife — both considered lower-volume markets — face indefinite suspension starting May 28 and August 30 respectively, with no resumption date announced. A planned Montreal–Guadalajara launch has been canceled entirely.
The airline’s statement cited “profitability targets” as the trigger for network review, noting that routes no longer meeting financial thresholds would be adjusted. Regulatory filings show jet fuel prices reached $3.79 per gallon on Friday — a 50% increase since the day before the Iran war began on February 27, 2026.
Industry sources indicate transborder routes require load factors above 72% to remain viable at current fuel costs, compared to the airline’s system average of 82% reported in Q4 2025. The JFK and Salt Lake City routes fell below that threshold as fuel expenses climbed.
| Route | Suspension start | Expected return | Weekly frequency lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto/Montreal–JFK | June 1, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | 14 flights |
| Toronto–Salt Lake City | June 30, 2026 | 2027 (unspecified) | 7 flights |
| Vancouver–Fort McMurray | May 28, 2026 | No date announced | 5 flights |
| Toronto–Yellowknife | August 30, 2026 | No date announced | 3 flights |
| Montreal–Guadalajara | Canceled pre-launch | Indefinite | Planned 4 flights |
Official statements confirm the airline will contact affected customers with alternative travel options, though rebooking to LaGuardia or Newark may require different departure times or connection points.
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How geopolitics drove fuel prices to breaking point
The Iran-Israel war escalation in October 2025 triggered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil flows. Jet fuel prices surged 110% to USD 4.20 per gallon by mid-April 2026, forcing North American carriers to absorb a 25% cost increase on operations.
No direct airspace closures affect Canadian or US carriers, but OPEC+ production cuts combined with sanctions blocking 15% of Iranian exports pushed spot fuel prices up 45% since January 2026. The situation compounds existing pressure from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which had already elevated baseline fuel costs by 15%.
Historical precedent shows similar disruptions: the 2019 Iran-US tensions spiked fuel 30% for three months, forcing 5% capacity cuts across the industry. The current situation is more severe, with multiple geopolitical factors converging to sustain elevated prices through at least Q3 2026.
Transborder routes with load factors below 75% face cuts first, as airlines prioritize higher-yield international and transcontinental flying. Fares on Canada-US routes have risen 22% since January as capacity contracts.
What to do if your flight is affected
Air Canada will contact impacted customers, but proactive rebooking secures better options before inventory tightens.
- Existing JFK bookings: Call 1-888-247-2262 today to request LaGuardia or Newark rebooking — guaranteed within 48 hours under airline policy. Log into aircanada.com/manage-trip to view alternative flights before calling.
- Planning NYC trips: Book Porter Airlines from Toronto Island Airport (YTZ) to JFK at flyporter.com — CAD 420 roundtrip for June travel on Embraer E190 regional jets with 10 weekly frequencies.
- Salt Lake City travel: Delta operates Toronto–Salt Lake City 5x weekly on Airbus A321 aircraft — search delta.com for availability. Expect fares around CAD 780–950 roundtrip, up from typical CAD 650.
- Compensation claims: Canadian passengers departing from Toronto or Montreal may qualify for CAD 400–1,000 compensation under Air Passenger Protection Regulations if not rebooked within 48 hours or refund denied — contact the airline or file at otc-cta.gc.ca.
- Alternative carriers: WestJet operates Toronto–JFK 7x weekly on Boeing 737 MAX 8 with lower fares. United flies Toronto–Newark 21x weekly on Boeing 787-9 with Star Alliance codeshare options.
Watch: Air Canada’s Q2 2026 network update scheduled for May 15 will reveal whether JFK resumption extends beyond October 25 — signaling prolonged fuel crisis and potential cuts to LaGuardia or Newark service.
Questions? Answers.
Will Air Canada refund tickets for canceled JFK flights?
Yes. Passengers holding non-refundable tickets on canceled routes qualify for full refunds under Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations and US DOT rules. Refunds must be processed within 7 days for credit card purchases. Contact the airline at 1-888-247-2262 or request via aircanada.com/manage-trip.
Are LaGuardia and Newark flights also at risk of suspension?
Not currently. Air Canada operates 34 daily flights from six Canadian cities to LaGuardia and Newark, which remain unaffected by the fuel-driven cuts. These routes carry higher load factors and stronger yields, making them economically viable despite elevated fuel costs. Monitor the airline’s May 15 network update for any changes.
How long will jet fuel prices remain elevated?
Industry analysts expect elevated fuel prices through at least Q3 2026 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist. The Strait of Hormuz blockade and OPEC+ production cuts continue to constrain supply, while sanctions on Iranian exports remove 15% of global capacity. Historical precedent from 2019 Iran-US tensions suggests 3–6 months of elevated pricing before stabilization.
Can I use Air Canada miles to book alternative flights?
Yes. Aeroplan members can rebook using miles on Air Canada flights to LaGuardia or Newark, or on Star Alliance partner United flights to Newark. No change fees apply for award tickets when rebooking due to airline-initiated cancellations. Call Aeroplan at 1-800-361-5373 for assistance with award rebooking.
