Air Canada suspends Toronto‑Montreal flights to JFK through October 2026

Air Canada will suspend flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York's JFK from June 1 to Oct. 25, 2026 due to soaring jet‑fuel costs.

The halt affects business travelers, tourists and cargo shippers who rely on the short‑haul link between Canada’s two largest cities and New York, a key gateway for finance and trade. Daily departures have supported thousands of cross‑border meetings, and the loss forces companies to reroute staff, potentially delaying projects and increasing travel costs.

The suspension begins on June 1, 2026^[1] and runs through Oct. 25, 2026^[2], a period of nearly five months^[3]. Air Canada will cancel all scheduled services on the Toronto‑JFK and Montreal‑JFK routes, including both morning and evening flights that previously offered multiple daily connections.

Air Canada cites soaring jet‑fuel costs as the trigger – prices have spiked after an oil price crisis in Europe intensified by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Industry analysts note that the price surge has pushed fuel expenses to represent more than a third of the carrier’s operating costs, a level that erodes profit margins on thinly‑priced routes.

Travelers from the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal will need to seek alternate carriers or connect through other U.S. airports. Some passengers may turn to WestJet, which still operates limited service to Newark, while others could book flights with American Airlines or Delta that connect via Chicago or Washington. The disruption also raises concerns for freight forwarders that depend on the quick turnaround at JFK for time‑sensitive shipments.

Air Canada said the routes are no longer economically viable. The airline said it is reviewing its network to identify additional adjustments that could offset the fuel‑price shock, including possible reductions in seat capacity on longer‑haul flights.

The carrier said the suspension could cost millions in lost revenue, pressuring its broader network as fuel prices remain volatile. Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau said the move is a temporary measure designed to protect the company’s financial health while it negotiates better fuel contracts.

Some industry reports suggested a wider pullback of domestic and international services, but the most recent statements from Air Canada and major U.S. outlets confirm the cut is limited to the Toronto‑Montreal‑JFK corridor. The broader European oil crisis, sparked by sanctions and supply disruptions, has reverberated across global fuel markets, making similar suspensions likely for other carriers facing comparable cost pressures.

Air Canada expects to resume the flights once jet‑fuel prices stabilize, a timeline it has not yet specified. The airline will monitor market conditions closely and will notify passengers of any changes at least 30 days before service resumes.