Flying within Canada is notoriously expensive due to a combination of high government-imposed fees, a sparse population, and a lack of competition. Unlike the U.S., where airports receive significant federal funding, major Canadian airports are operated by private, non-profit authorities that must pay "ground rent" to the federal government. To cover these costs and fund infrastructure, airports charge passengers high Airport Improvement Fees (AIF), which can add $30 to $40 to a single ticket. Additionally, the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) and high fuel taxes further inflate prices. Geographically, Canada's vast size and small population (concentrated in a few hubs) make for "low-density" routes that are expensive to operate. Furthermore, the Canadian market is dominated by a near-duopoly of Air Canada and WestJet; without the intense competition of ultra-low-cost carriers found in Europe or the U.S., fares remain high. High operating costs—driven by de-icing and winter maintenance—also contribute to the premium Canadians pay to move across their own country compared to trans-border or international flights.