Foreign travel to U.S. airports, including DFW, drops
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Foreign arrivals into major U.S. airports, including DFW Airport, tumbled in mid-to-late March compared to the same time last year, based on customs pass-through data.
Why it matters: The findings suggest a sudden reluctance to visit the U.S. isn't a purely Canadian phenomenon and should sound alarm bells for the country's $1 trillion-plus travel industry.
By the numbers: The number of foreigners passing through customs at the 10 busiest U.S. airports — including Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta and Miami — fell by over 20% in late March, compared to a year earlier, based on a seven-day rolling average.
- A sight uptick followed, but the number was still down 18.4% as of March 28 versus the same time last year.
- Meanwhile, the number of U.S. citizens returning to the country was up nearly 14% by late March from the year earlier.
Context: Spring break may have played a role here, and many people book trips in advance with little flexibility.
Between the lines: Trade wars, a volatile economic and political climate and fears of detainment or harassment may be dissuading foreigners from visiting the U.S.
- Several American allies, including Canada, France, Germany and others, recently issued new travel warnings or advisories about U.S. travel.