Two Canadian airlines shorten services with Palm Springs airport after ‘shifts in demand’
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Two Canadian airlines are ending their seasonal services at the Palm Springs International Airport a little early, officials confirmed.
Flair Airlines and WestJet have slightly shortened their seasonal service to Vancouver and Winnipeg, PSP spokesperson Jake Ingrassia confirmed.
"The airlines have advised the airport that these adjustments are in response to the current operating environment and shifts in demand," Ingrassia wrote in an email to News Channel 3. "PSP has a strong track record as a popular destination for travelers from across Canada, and we continue to work closely with our airline partners to support Canadian air service."
Flair Airlines' Vancouver to Palm Springs service is ending on April 6, as opposed to the originally planned date of April 22.
"Flair Airlines regularly adjusts its network based on consumer demand. As a result, we have strategically ended our Vancouver to Palm Springs service early, with the last flight on April 6th. This decision reflects our commitment to providing the best value and flexibility for our passengers.”
- Eric Tanner, VP of Commercial, Flair Airlines.
WestJet confirmed it is ending its seasonal service as a result of a downward shift in demand for transborder bookings between Canada and the U.S. The airline plans to return in the fall.
"I can confirm WestJet did conclude seasonal service between Palm Springs and Winnipeg ahead of schedule; however, we have always operated this as a seasonal winter-only route, and we are planning to return this fall. Impacted guests were notified of the changes and provided reaccomodation options.
As a result of the current political environment, we have seen a downward shift in demand for transborder bookings between Canada and the U.S. I’m unable to share specific data, but it is common across the aviation industry to adjust network schedules to meet guest demand, as WestJet has done. Notably, we are seeing increased demand for sun destinations across Mexico and the Caribbean, and to Europe.
As a proudly Canadian airline, WestJet is committed to ensuring air travel remains accessible, affordable and safe for all Canadians, and we’ll continue to fly where our guests want to go."
- Josh Yeats, spokesperson for WestJet
Recent developments with international travel and conflicts with Canada have left some worried about the impact it could have on Canadian travelers, known as Snowbirds, in the Coachella Valley.
Snowbirds are a major part of the local economy. According to a published report by Greater Palm Springs, Canadians contributed over a billion dollars to our local economy in 2023.
Last month, I-Team investigator Karen Devine spoke with Snowbirds to find out if the newly imposed tariffs would curb Canadians from spending their time and money in the Coachella Valley. Watch her special report below:
