March Break travel declines at Sault airport, reflecting broader trends

March Break typically sees many Canadians jet off to warmer climates – but things have been different this year.

March Break, a time when many Canadians traditionally head to warmer destinations, saw a noticeable decline in passenger traffic at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport this year, continuing a trend that has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airport officials report that passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, with just 70 per cent of the traffic recorded in 2019. Terry Bos, president and CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, described the decline as the “new norm,” citing factors such as a reduction in international students and a shift in travel preferences among Canadians.

“I don’t think we had the normal number of people travelling in March as we would normally see for March Break,” Bos said.

“Our numbers were decent, but they weren’t great.”

Bos told CTV News that he believes many travellers are opting for road trips over flights, while others are choosing destinations outside the United States. Economic concerns, including U.S. tariffs affecting local industries, may also be influencing travel plans, as residents in the area could have less disposable income for trips.

The airport’s recent March Break traffic, typically a busy period, fell short of expectations. Bos added that the decline in passengers has impacted projects such as terminal renovations, which rely on revenue from airport operations.

Despite the challenges, Bos said there is a silver lining; a weaker Canadian dollar often attracts American travellers who use the airport for international flights.

As the Sault Ste. Marie Airport adapts to these shifting trends, officials remain cautiously optimistic about balancing the new realities of post-pandemic travel with opportunities for growth.