d+ JUST IN (3 MINUTES AGO): U.S. AIRPORTS GO eerily QUIET — 3 MILLION TOURISTS JUST CANCELED, and the

A profound and costly silence has descended upon America’s major international gateways, as a stunning collapse in foreign travel strips billions from the economy and triggers alarm from New York to Las Vegas. New data reveals that over three million international trips have been canceled in recent weeks, with airports reporting empty terminals and airlines slashing hundreds of thousands of seats from their schedules.

The downturn, amounting to an estimated $21 billion in lost revenue, began with a dramatic pullback from Canada, long the United States’ largest source of foreign visitors. Last month alone saw nearly 40% fewer Canadian tourists cross the border, a precipitous drop that has hollowed out the busiest air routes in North America.

Bookings on Canada-U.S. routes plunged by 70% year-over-year by late March, forcing carriers to cut more than 320,000 scheduled seats through October. The seismic shift followed a formal travel advisory issued by the Canadian government on April 4th, citing concerns over harsh border screenings and shifting entry rules.

That advisory was amplified across news media and social platforms, creating a wave of public hesitation. One week later, a new U.S. policy requiring Canadians staying longer than 30 days to register with authorities and provide fingerprints further fractured trust, making casual tourists feel “treated as suspects.”

The backlash was immediate and severe. Canadian travel agencies reported a flood of cancellations, but travelers are not staying home. Demand for destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe has surged by up to 30% as tourists seek alternatives perceived as more welcoming and predictable.

Statistics Canada data confirms the exodus, showing a 24.2% drop in returning air passengers in May. Border towns report retail sales have fallen by half. In total, more than 20 million Canadians, who traditionally accounted for a quarter of all U.S. international visits, are now actively choosing other destinations.

The crisis extends far beyond the northern border. Transatlantic travel, a critical revenue stream for major airlines and coastal cities, is in freefall. By the end of May, flights arriving from Europe were down 17%, with July bookings falling another 13%.

Airlines have been forced to slash fares to pandemic-era levels, with some Paris-to-New York tickets priced at 2020 lows, not to stimulate demand but to fill half-empty cabins. Industry analysts point to a climate of fear fueled by European media reports detailing aggressive immigration screenings and lengthy interrogations.

The economic ripple effect is now hammering urban economies. New York City’s official tourism agency recently revised its 2025 forecast downward by 3.5 million visitors, anticipating a loss of over $4 billion in direct spending. The city warns this is not a slowdown but a full-blown crisis.

In Las Vegas, May marked the fifth consecutive month of declining visitation, with a 6.5% drop. The Strip shows clear signs of strain, with emptier casino floors, quieter restaurants, and hotel rates being cut dramatically despite rising complaints about “outrageously high” resort fees and costs.

Nationwide, TSA checkpoint data for international travel has reversed its post-2021 growth trend, showing a sharp decline this spring that industry experts say aligns directly with the April 11th fingerprint registration policy. For the first time in years, total screenings over three months have fallen below the previous year’s numbers.

The collective downturn is being termed a “policy-driven slump,” with analysts citing a combination of factors: retaliatory trade tariffs, tightened visa procedures, highly publicized immigration incidents, and formal travel advisories from allied nations. These have created a potent mix of economic uncertainty and personal apprehension for potential visitors.

Hospitality leaders are issuing urgent warnings. Without a coordinated federal and industry response to restore confidence, ease border concerns, and address value perceptions, the damage could become permanent. The United States risks ceding its status as a top global destination, as travelers and their spending power flock to competitors.

The empty concourses serve as a stark indicator of eroded soft power and economic vulnerability. As one industry executive stated, “We are losing more than tourists; we are losing influence, reputation, and billions in economic stability that supports countless American jobs.” The pressure is now on Washington and business leaders to chart a course correction before the slump becomes irreversible.