More than 30 flight cancellations and 400 delays have disrupted travel across Canada, affecting major airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa. Travel Tour & World
Air travel across Canada hit a major snag as more than 30 flights were cancelled and over 400 delayed at key airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. The disruptions have affected major carriers, including Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, Inuit, and several international airlines.
The delays stretched beyond domestic routes. Flights connecting to the United States, Europe, and Asia also suffered setbacks. A frost advisory in several provinces brought icy conditions overnight, adding to travel troubles and slowing ground operations at many airports.
Toronto Airport Suffers Most Delays
Toronto Pearson International recorded the highest number of disruptions with 176 delays and 19 cancellations. Vancouver International followed with 110 delays and 3 cancellations, while Montreal-Trudeau logged 73 delays and one cancellation. Calgary saw 50 delays and 2 cancellations, and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier had 18 delays and 5 cancellations.
Altogether, Canada reported 427 delayed flights and 30 cancelled ones. Many passengers found themselves stranded or facing long waits, with missed connections adding to the frustration.
Major Airlines Struggle to Stay on Schedule
Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz faced the biggest impact. Air Canada reported multiple delays at Vancouver and Toronto airports, while WestJet struggled with late departures nationwide. Jazz, a regional partner for several carriers, reported delays on its busiest routes.
International airlines also felt the effect. Flights by British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, and Cathay Pacific experienced long waits, especially on routes between Canada and Europe or Asia. Some delays stretched up to 50% of scheduled flight times.
Frost Advisory Blamed for Travel Snarls
Cold air and frost warnings across Ontario and nearby regions caused much of the disruption. Affected areas included Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, London, Sarnia, and Woodstock, among others.
The frost advisory also affected ground operations, making it harder to de-ice planes quickly and safely. The same weather warning impacted agriculture and outdoor activities, adding pressure to local transport systems.
Travellers Urged to Stay Updated
Officials urged passengers to check flight statuses frequently through airline websites or apps. Air Canada and WestJet are offering free rebooking for cancelled flights, though availability remains tight. Passengers were also encouraged to contact airlines directly for assistance and possible compensation.
Airports advised travellers to arrive early, as long check-in lines and extra security screening could lead to more delays. Those stuck waiting were reminded to keep essentials like snacks, water, chargers, and warm clothing handy.
Ripple Effect Across the Country
The widespread delays caused a chain reaction across Canada’s air network. Travellers connecting to other domestic or international flights faced schedule changes, forcing airlines to adjust routes throughout the day. The effects are expected to linger until weather conditions improve.
