Maritime consumer behaviour remains steady, despite surging air travel costs

The rising cost of gas is posing a risk to travel in the Maritimes.

Maritimers have seen gas prices surge in recent weeks. Regular self-serve in the Halifax area is going for 191.7 cents per litre, it’s about the same in New Brunswick, while P.E.I. has cracked the $2 per litre mark.

Filling up a vehicle is costly and aviation fuel is sky-high.

“Three months ago, we were paying $65 USD a barrel for aviation fuel, it’s now going north of $150 USD per barrel of aviation fuel,” says aviation analyst, John Gradek.

To counter those costs, airlines have been adding fuel surcharges to their ticket prices.

WestJet applied $60 to their bookings, while Air Canada has tacked on an extra $50.

“Air Canada is not seeing that price impact just yet because they are still in the hedging mode on fuel. Come June 1 or thereabouts, they will be paying spot prices and it’s going to be a kick in the butt for Air Canada’s profitability,” says Gradek.

Despite the growing costs, Canadians aren’t exactly staying home.

Statistics Canada research shows domestic air travel rose 10 per cent in March compared to the same time last year, and the numbers hold true for Maritimers.

“Consumer behaviour is not changing, despite what’s happening geopolitically and with prices,” says CAA spokesperson, Julia Kent.

In the first quarter of 2026, CAA Atlantic saw a record quarter.

It may not last, however. Gradek says with fuel prices are still on the rise, vacationers may soon start having second thoughts.

“Fares have gone up somewhere in the range of 15 to 20 per cent domestically. Internationally it’s 20 to 30 per cent, so if you haven’t bought your ticket yet for summer travel, be prepared for sticker shock,” says Gradek. “It’s gone up significantly.”

Kent points out that vacationers are still avoiding the United States, while Europe and destinations across Canada are becoming more popular.