On June 8, 2026, the Canadian federal government introduced a loan program allowing airlines to borrow up to $150 million each to combat soaring jet fuel costs caused by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated the measure aims to protect jobs and ensure affordable travel. To qualify, airlines must commit to "buy Canadian," restrict dividends, and cap executive compensation. While Porter and Transat welcomed the offer, Air Canada remained indifferent, and WestJet strongly opposed the proposal, calling it a market-distorting subsidy. The crisis has forced carriers to cut flight schedules and raise fares, with economy prices rising 17 per cent. This initiative follows previous pandemic-era aid and a temporary removal of the federal fuel excise tax to mitigate financial pressures on the aviation sector.