Image: A snowstorm blankets an airport as planes sit on the runway. Travel Pulse Canada
A powerful winter storm disrupted air travel across eastern Canada on Monday, causing delays and cancellations at major airports in Toronto and Montreal. Freezing rain, strong winds, and poor visibility created difficult conditions for airlines and travellers throughout the day.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, airport staff dealt with ongoing disruptions as the storm moved through the region. Flights faced delays and cancellations by late morning, with weather conditions changing quickly. Environment officials warned of strong wind gusts that could reach between 70 and 90 kilometres per hour. Fog and mixed precipitation further reduced visibility and slowed airport operations.
Airport officials advised passengers to plan ahead. They asked travellers to arrive earlier than usual and prepare for longer wait times at check-in, security screening, and boarding gates.
Montreal Sees Ice and Cancellations
Similar conditions affected Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, where freezing rain and ice pellets made travel hazardous. Many departing flights faced delays that averaged close to an hour. Airlines also cancelled dozens of flights over the past 24 hours as crews worked to manage safety concerns.
Airport authorities in Montreal warned travellers that poor weather could continue to affect schedules as the storm system lingered over the region. They encouraged passengers to stay alert and expect possible changes throughout the day.
Weather Pattern Adds to Travel Trouble
Monday’s disruptions followed several days of stormy weather that already challenged airlines and travellers. Earlier systems had affected travel across the Toronto area and prompted warnings from Environment Canada. The repeated storms forced airlines to adjust schedules more than once, especially at Canada’s busiest airports.
The ongoing weather pattern added pressure during a busy travel period, leaving many passengers facing uncertainty about departure times and connections.
Airline Adjusts Plans
Air Canada, which operates major hubs in both Toronto and Montreal, confirmed it made further operational changes in response to the storm. The airline introduced flexible rebooking options for affected passengers, allowing them to change flights without penalty when seats remained available.
Air Canada urged customers to check flight status often and watch for updates through official airline messages as conditions continued to evolve.
Advice for Travellers
Officials at both airports asked travellers to stay flexible and confirm flight details before leaving for the airport. They also encouraged passengers to use flight-tracking tools to stay informed, noting that weather and schedules could shift with little notice.
As winter weather continues to move through the region, airlines and airport authorities expect ongoing challenges and advise travellers to plan carefully.
