Trump threatens to revoke certification of Canadian aircraft including Bombardier jets

Friday 30 January 2026 - 07:30

By: Sahili Aya

Trump threatens to revoke certification of Canadian aircraft including Bombardier jets

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw U.S. certification for aircraft manufactured in Canada, including business jets produced by Bombardier, escalating tensions between Washington and Ottawa over aviation regulations.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump accused Canadian authorities of unfairly and repeatedly denying certification to several American-made Gulfstream aircraft models. He argued that the move discriminates against U.S. manufacturers and pledged retaliatory action until full approval is granted to the affected American jets.

Bombardier, one of Canada’s largest aerospace companies, warned that such a decision could disrupt air traffic, noting that thousands of Canadian-built aircraft operate daily in U.S. airspace. The company said it is coordinating closely with the Canadian government to address the situation and avoid negative consequences for passengers and operators.

Trump also raised the possibility of imposing steep tariffs on Canadian aircraft sold in the United States if the dispute remains unresolved, framing the issue as part of a broader trade imbalance. Canadian officials have previously downplayed similar threats, describing them as negotiation tactics rather than imminent policy changes.

The announcement adds to already strained U.S.-Canada relations and raises questions about the regulatory process, as aviation certifications typically fall under independent authorities rather than direct political control.