US Airlines Face New Headwinds From 'America-First' Tourism Policy
A planned $100 national park surcharge for foreign visitors threatens to dampen lucrative international travel demand, pressuring carriers like United, American, and Delta.
A new Trump administration policy set to impose hefty fees on international tourists visiting popular national parks is casting a shadow over the U.S. travel industry, with major airlines positioned to feel the impact from a potential drop in foreign visitors.
The policy, slated to take effect January 1, 2026, introduces a $100 per-person surcharge for international visitors at 11 of the nation's most iconic parks, including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Additionally, the price of an annual park pass for non-residents will more than triple, rising from $80 to $250. The move, framed as an "America-First" initiative, is raising concerns among travel and aviation executives about its potential to deter international tourism—a vital source of revenue.
The economic stakes are significant. International visitors are a cornerstone of the U.S. tourism economy, spending over $213 billion in 2023. National parks serve as a powerful draw for these travelers; according to industry data, roughly one-third of all tourists from abroad, or about 14 million people, include a park visit in their itineraries. This spending supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, not just within the parks but in gateway communities and the broader travel ecosystem.
Major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL), United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL), and Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), are particularly exposed. These airlines have spent years building extensive international networks that funnel travelers from Europe, Asia, and South America into U.S. hubs. International passengers, who often book higher-margin premium seats for long-haul flights, are a critical component of airline profitability.
United Airlines, with a market capitalization of over $30 billion, has significant hubs in San Francisco and Denver that serve as key gateways for tourists heading to western national parks. Similarly, Delta, valued at over $40 billion, and American, with an $8.8 billion market cap, rely on strong transatlantic and transpacific demand to fill their planes.
Analysts are beginning to factor in the new risks. While the direct impact is difficult to quantify, the policy creates a significant headwind for 2026 demand forecasts. The fee itself adds a considerable expense for a family of four, but industry experts are more concerned about the message it sends to prospective travelers.
"The issue isn't just the dollar amount, it's the signal of protectionism," one travel sector analyst noted. "It creates uncertainty and could lead travelers to choose destinations perceived as more welcoming, like Canada or parts of Europe."
The Interior Department projects the new fees could generate over $90 million annually. However, critics argue this revenue could be easily offset by losses in the broader economy if even a small percentage of high-spending international tourists decide to vacation elsewhere. As reported by CBS News, the policy has already sparked concern among tour operators and local businesses reliant on a steady flow of global visitors.
For now, the airline industry faces a new layer of uncertainty. After navigating the pandemic recovery and grappling with volatile fuel costs and operational challenges, carriers must now contend with a policy that could directly undermine a key revenue stream. Travel industry groups are expected to lobby against the measure, but its implementation could force airlines to reassess capacity on international routes if advance bookings for 2026 begin to soften.