Toronto’s Pearson Airport Cancels Over Half of Sunday Flights Due to Snowstorm

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport faced significant disruptions on Sunday due to a severe snowstorm. More than half of the flights from both Pearson and Billy Bishop Airport were canceled, prompting travelers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport.

Flight Cancellations at Pearson Airport

As of 7:30 PM, over 65% of departing flights and nearly 64% of arriving flights at Pearson were canceled. This grim status was reported directly on the airport’s website. Similarly, Billy Bishop Airport canceled 30 flights scheduled to depart and 30 set to arrive that day.

Impact of the Snowstorm

• Anticipated snow accumulation could reach or exceed 60 centimeters.
• Peak snowfall rates might vary between 5 to 10 centimeters per hour.
• Travel conditions were predicted to be dangerous with near-zero visibility.

In response to the challenging conditions, crews were actively engaged in clearing the airfield. All departing flights were undergoing necessary de-icing procedures. Despite the hurdles, Billy Bishop remained operational.

Airlines’ Responses

Air Canada and Porter Airlines announced numerous cancellations in light of the weather conditions. An Air Canada spokesperson mentioned that these cancellations were precautionary measures to ensure safety for both passengers and staff.

The airline emphasized that managing cancellations also facilitates quicker recovery once the storm subsides. They confirmed that affected customers would be kept updated and that a goodwill policy allows passengers to change their flights without incurring extra costs.

Warnings from Environment Canada

Environment Canada issued a severe weather warning, advising that the most affected areas could be southern Toronto and Mississauga. Residents were cautioned about the potential for hazardous travel conditions throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

With operations curtailed, Pearson Airport saw a dramatic reduction in passenger activity, becoming nearly deserted as cancellations took effect.