WestJet shifts focus to domestic travel, adds Edmonton-Kamloops route amid drop in U.S. demand

Travellers flying out of Edmonton International Airport will soon have more options for domestic summer travel — particularly to British Columbia’s Interior — as WestJet adjusts its schedule in response to shifting demand.

Beginning July 6, WestJet will resume non-stop flights between Edmonton and Kamloops. The airline is also adding service to and from Prince George.

At the same time, it is suspending some of its routes to the United States, including summer flights to Atlanta.

WestJet told CityNews in a statement:

“Due to a downward shift in transborder travel demand, WestJet has updated its summer schedule to help Canadians fly where they want to go. This shift is inclusive of several temporary route suspensions to U.S. destinations.
We have also seen an increase in demand for domestic travel and recently announced three new domestic routes from Halifax in addition to our recent domestic network enhancements for Edmonton.
WestJet also increased connectivity between Canada and Europe with all new service between Halifax and Amsterdam, as well as between Halifax and Barcelona. As is common in the aviation industry, WestJet continuously adjusts its schedule based on demand. For the most up-to-date flights and frequencies, please visit WestJet.com.”

For traveller Nick Redmond, the timing of the changes coincides with his decision to change his summer plans.

He said he decided to cancel a planned U.S. trip this summer, citing current tension between Canada and the United States. Instead, he’s booking tickets to Vancouver and Europe.

“I think it really says a lot about Canadians banding together and staying true to the Canadian way and not folding under the pressure in the trade war,” said Redmond.

Tourism Kamloops also welcomed the new route, they told CityNews in a statement:

“At Tourism Kamloops, we’re pleased to see WestJet’s introduction of a direct route between Edmonton and Kamloops. Strengthening air access between our communities is a positive development for both leisure and business travel. Our CEO, Erik Fisher, is currently in discussions with the Kamloops Airport Authority and other local partners to determine how Tourism Kamloops can best support and celebrate this new connection.”

AMA Travel says it has recorded a 20 per cent drop in U.S. bookings compared to last year, but a 10 per cent increase in domestic flights during the same time period.

The only notable increase in U.S. travel has been for sporting events.

“I think a lot of Canadians wanted a chance to wait and see what was going to happen,” said Kelsey Baron, product sales and services supervisor at AMA Travel. “I think we’ll start to see more interest increase as more stability in the political climate.”

As for domestic options, some travellers say they’re happy to see more flights to B.C.

“Kamloops is definitely in the cards, I could definitely see it happening,” said Redmond.