US considers ending preclearance at Canadian airports amid declining travel

Currently, eight Canadian airports offer Preclearance: Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Halifax (YHZ), Winnipeg (YWG), and Ottawa (YOW). The CBP operates similar facilities in six countries worldwide, including Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Ireland, and the UAE.

Canada was the first country to host Preclearance facilities and remains an important source of tourists for the United States. However, with fewer passengers traveling between both countries, maintaining these services has become harder to justify economically.

Preclearance lets travelers complete US entry procedures before departure rather than after arrival. This process saves time by allowing passengers to land as domestic arrivals in the United States instead of waiting in customs lines upon landing.

Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat who moderated the forum where Hoekstra spoke, responded by emphasizing Canada's role as a key tourism market for the US: "If you end pre-clearance, doesn't that cut off your nose to spite your face?"

Canadian airlines have benefited from having Preclearance available at major airports since it makes connecting through Canada more attractive for international travelers heading to US destinations. Without this service, these carriers could lose their competitive edge and might pass increased costs on to passengers through higher fares.

Some Canadian airlines have already reduced their services between Canada and the United States due to lower demand. Air Canada suspended eight routes this year and started using smaller aircraft on others; WestJet dropped several US routes while focusing more on flights elsewhere.

In 2024 alone, over 22 million travelers used Preclearance facilities globally—with Canadians making up most users—accounting for nearly 16% of all commercial air passengers entering the United States last year.