Intense Cold Causes Delays and Cancellations at Canadian Airports

Severe cold has led to widespread flight delays and cancellations at Canadian airports, particularly impacting travelers across the nation. With frigid temperatures and significant snowfall, many passengers are facing challenging travel conditions.

Impact of Intense Cold on Canadian Airports

On a typical winter day, traveler Guilherme Holtz and his family encountered severe disruptions while returning to Quebec City from Rio de Janeiro. Their planned connecting flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport was cancelled after an 11-hour journey. They faced a long wait for a new flight scheduled for later in the day.

Between Friday and Saturday, over 20% of the 900 flights arriving and departing from Toronto Pearson were impacted. This included significant cancellations and delays attributed to an intense cold snap nationwide.

Severe Weather Conditions

Environment Canada reported that on Saturday, wind chills dipped below -30°C in major cities such as Toronto and Ottawa. The cold conditions were expected to persist throughout the weekend, coupled with anticipated snowfall ranging from 15 to 30 centimeters.

• Wind chill temperatures: Below -30°C in Toronto and Ottawa.
• Expected snowfall: 15-30 centimeters in Toronto and southern Ontario.
• Wind gusts: Up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Airport Preparations and Advisory

Toronto Pearson International Airport has been closely monitoring the effects of the severe weather. More than 100 pieces of snow removal equipment have been deployed to maintain operational safety across the airfield.

Passengers are encouraged to check their flight statuses before arriving at the airport. Other airlines, such as WestJet, are also issuing similar advisories across various airports, including Halifax and Quebec City.

Wider Disruptions in Air Travel

The severe winter storm has caused significant impacts not only in Canada but also in the United States, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of flights. Many travelers, like Scott Lang, found their trips severely affected.

Lang and his wife faced multiple cancellations while attempting to reach Cancun for a family gathering. After a chaotic series of back-and-forth arrangements with Air Canada and WestJet, they struggled to secure a reliable flight. Their experiences highlight the complications faced by many travelers amid these extreme weather conditions.

As the winter weather continues to affect air travel, airlines are providing travel credits, although many affected passengers are seeking full refunds for their disrupted plans.

With intense cold and winter storms set to continue, travelers are advised to stay informed and prepared as conditions evolve.