As international travel rebounds and passenger demand shifts, Air Canada is taking bold steps to capitalize on growing interest in Latin America. The country’s flagship carrier is launching four new destinations and 13 new routes this winter, even as it pulls back on travel to popular U.S. cities.
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Here’s a closer look at Air Canada’s Latin America expansion for winter 2025, what it means for Canadian travelers, and why the airline is scaling back its U.S. presence.
Air Canada Adds 4 New Latin American Destinations for Winter 2025
In a major announcement, Air Canada revealed it is significantly boosting its Latin American presence with new flights to:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Guadalajara, Mexico
These additions come as part of what Air Canada calls “its largest network expansion to Latin America to date.”
The move is a strategic effort to meet growing winter travel demand to sun-soaked destinations while offsetting reduced traffic to the southern United States.
13 New Latin American Routes and Increased Service
In addition to the four new cities, Air Canada is also adding new routes to several popular tourist spots in the Caribbean and Central/South America:
- Santiago, Chile
- Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
- Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Huatulco, Mexico
Alongside these, the airline is also increasing the frequency of flights to existing high-demand destinations, ensuring travelers have more flexibility and access throughout the peak travel season.
Overall, the airline reports a 16% increase in seat capacity to Latin America compared to last winter.
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Cutbacks to Florida, Las Vegas, and Arizona Routes
In contrast, Air Canada is trimming its U.S. network. Back in February, the airline confirmed a 10% reduction in flights to Florida, Las Vegas, and Arizona, some of the most traveled U.S. leisure markets during winter months.
These reductions include:
- Fewer direct flights from major Canadian cities to Florida hotspots like Miami and Orlando
- Downsized aircraft on routes to Las Vegas and Phoenix
Air Canada has indicated these decisions reflect shifts in customer travel preferences and efficiency goals, as smaller planes and fewer flights help optimize profitability amid softer demand to certain U.S. destinations.
WestJet Also Adjusts U.S. Routes
Air Canada isn’t the only carrier reshaping its U.S. operations. Rival airline WestJet has also announced it will be suspending a number of cross-border flights, focusing instead on increasing domestic capacity to meet higher travel interest within Canada.
What This Means for Canadian Travelers
For Canadians planning winter getaways in 2025, these changes present new opportunities—and a few challenges:
✅ More access to Latin American vacations
✅ More frequent options for Caribbean and South American travel
❌ Fewer direct U.S. flights, especially to southern destinations
❌ Smaller aircraft may mean reduced onboard amenities or baggage capacity
If you’re looking to escape the Canadian cold next winter, destinations like Cartagena, Rio, or Guatemala City just became more accessible—while some U.S. sunbelt cities might require more planning or connections.
Final Thoughts: Air Canada’s Shift Reflects Changing Travel Trends
With Canadians showing stronger interest in Latin American escapes and more flexible travel options, Air Canada’s winter 2025 strategy reflects a realignment of resources toward higher-demand routes. While Florida and Las Vegas may see fewer flights, travelers now have more ways than ever to explore the vibrant cultures, beaches, and landscapes of Latin America.
Plan early, watch for promotions, and consider new destinations—Air Canada’s winter 2025 expansion might be your ticket to the perfect tropical getaway.