Air Canada will stop flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Montreal‑Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on June 1, 2026, with service expected to resume in late October 2026.

The suspension underscores how geopolitical tensions can quickly translate into higher operating costs for airlines, prompting route cuts that affect travelers and local economies alike. Rising jet‑fuel prices, driven by the war involving Iran, have made the Toronto‑JFK and Montreal‑JFK routes financially unsustainable, the carrier said.

The carrier announced the move in a brief statement, noting that the price surge has eroded profit margins on the two‑hour cross‑border flights. "We are closely monitoring fuel markets and will restore service as soon as conditions improve," an Air Canada spokesperson said.

The pause will last nearly five months, according to CBS News, which cites a resume date of Oct. 25, 2026[2]. Other outlets report the suspension will run "through October" without specifying a day[3]. The discrepancy highlights the fluid nature of the situation as fuel markets continue to fluctuate.

Passengers with existing bookings are being rebooked on alternative routes or offered refunds, and the airline is working with travel agencies to minimize disruption. The suspension affects both business travelers who rely on the quick connection between Canada’s two largest cities and New York, and leisure passengers heading to the U.S. East Coast.

Air Canada’s decision follows similar moves by other carriers facing heightened fuel costs worldwide. Industry analysts say the trend could persist if fuel prices remain elevated, potentially prompting further schedule adjustments.

**What this means** – The halt illustrates the direct impact of international conflicts on commercial aviation. As jet‑fuel prices climb, airlines may trim less profitable routes, raising fares and reducing connectivity for affected markets. Travelers should anticipate limited options on the Toronto‑JFK and Montreal‑JFK corridors until at least October, and monitor airline communications for any further changes.

“Air Canada says rising fuel costs made the routes unsustainable.”

The halt illustrates the direct impact of international conflicts on commercial aviation. As jet‑fuel prices climb, airlines may trim less profitable routes, raising fares and reducing connectivity for affected markets. Travelers should anticipate limited options on the Toronto‑JFK and Montreal‑JFK corridors until at least October, and monitor airline communications for any further changes.