✈️ Travel to Canada Doubles, Yet Business Jet Traffic Trends Downward
Summer leisure travel bookings to Canada doubled year-over-year, yet this did not translate into business jet traffic. Avi-Go data shows that during the roughly 90-day period from May 1 to July 30, 2026, business jet movements at Toronto CYYZ, Vancouver CYVR, and Montreal CYUL totaled 13,160, down 2,078 movements or 13.6% year-over-year. Among them, CYYZ recorded 7,205 movements (3,595 departures, 3,610 arrivals), up a slight 0.9% year-over-year, accounting for 54.8% of the three airports and maintaining a solid lead. CYVR recorded only 2,788 movements, down sharply by 37.7% year-over-year, slipping from second to third place and overtaken by Montreal. CYUL recorded 3,167 movements, down 12.5% year-over-year. The surge in leisure demand is clearly decoupled from business jet traffic, and Vancouver's weakness in particular warrants investigation into route structure or changes in statistical coverage.
Impact: Vancouver's business jet traffic has nearly halved, directly impacting local FBO parking and ground service revenue; Toronto held steady and firmly retained its hub status, with passenger sources and capacity further concentrating there.
Recommendation: Before the August peak season draws to a close, FBOs and ground operators serving CYVR should verify as soon as possible whether a structural shift in Vancouver routes has occurred, and assess whether temporary capacity adjustments are needed; Brokers targeting leisure travelers to Canada may prioritize organizing charters and connections around the Toronto hub.