Home » Airlines News of Canada » Thousands of Passengers Stranded Across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, Inuit and Other Airlines Face Nearly 100 Cancellations and 500 Delays at Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax and Regional Airports
Published on
March 8, 2026
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Thousands of passengers are stranded across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, Air Inuit, and other airlines, face nearly 100 cancellations and 500 delays today. The disruptions have caused major travel chaos, particularly in airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Halifax, and other regional airports. Severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, have exacerbated the situation, leading to flooding in several areas. This has caused delays in both domestic and international flights, affecting hundreds of passengers who are now facing long wait times. As the weather continues to affect Canada’s major hubs, passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and to contact airlines for rebooking options.
Travel Disruption Hits Canada with Multiple Airlines Facing Delays and Cancellations
Canada’s air travel system has been disrupted today with numerous cancellations and delays affecting major airlines and airports across the country. Travelers are facing significant inconvenience, with over 500 delays and 98 cancellations reported at airports in several provinces.
Severe weather conditions across Canada are exacerbating the ongoing travel disruptions, with Environment Canada issuing weather warnings that have affected both airport operations and flight schedules. Rainstorms and thunderstorms have led to nearly 100 cancellations and 500 delays, impacting Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Halifax, and regional airports. The weather is causing heavy rainfall ranging from 15 to 40 millimetres and thunderstorms, which have worsened the situation.
With mild temperatures and rainfall combining with snowmelt, the frozen ground is unable to absorb the water, leading to runoff that causes flooding on roads and at airports. This has added to delays and cancellations, particularly in Toronto and Montreal, where low-lying areas and roadways are flooded. Drivers have been warned against using flooded roads, and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Saturday evening.
Airlines Affected by the Disruptions
Several Canadian airlines have been impacted by these travel disruptions, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz (a regional carrier operating under Air Canada).
Air Canada, the national carrier, has reported 12 cancellations (2%) and 151 delays (25%) across its domestic and international flights.Jazz (ACA), which operates on behalf of Air Canada, saw 21 cancellations (5%) and 60 delays (15%) affecting regional and inter-city routes.Air Canada Rouge, a leisure subsidiary of Air Canada, faced 13 cancellations (11%) and 31 delays (26%) on its holiday and vacation routes.WestJet also saw minor disruptions, with 3 cancellations (0%) and 68 delays (16%).Smaller carriers such as PAL Airlines (operating in Newfoundland and Labrador) and Air Inuit (serving northern Quebec) also experienced delays and cancellations. PAL Airlines recorded 2 cancellations (3%) and 11 delays (20%), while Air Inuit reported 5 cancellations (7%) and 30 delays (45%).Air Borealis, a regional joint venture airline, faced a much higher disruption rate with 7 cancellations (70%) and no delays reported.Airports and Cities Impacted
The disruptions have affected airports and cities across the country, with major hubs such as Toronto Pearson International, Vancouver International, and Montreal-Trudeau seeing notable impacts. The weather, operational challenges, and ongoing logistics issues may have contributed to the current situation.
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Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) saw the highest number of delays across Air Canada flights. The airport, as Canada’s busiest, experienced significant delays impacting travelers’ connections to international destinations, with 240 delays reported today. In Vancouver, 151 delays and cancellations on Air Canada flights have caused serious operational challenges for passengers, particularly those traveling on leisure flights to sun destinations. Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL) also reported delays and cancellations, with 77 delays and 11 cancellations.AirportTotal DelaysTotal Cancelled FlightsToronto Pearson Int’l24034Vancouver Int’l6814Montreal-Trudeau7711Halifax Int’l235Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int’l298Toronto City Centre386Sudbury (Greater Sudbury)24Edmonton Int’l196Kangirsuk04CFB Goose Bay (Goose Bay)22Postville Airport02Natuashish02
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
Passengers affected by these disruptions are urged to follow a few essential steps to mitigate the inconvenience caused by these cancellations and delays:
Check Flight Status Regularly: Always verify the status of your flight through the airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates on cancellations and delays.Contact Airlines for Rebooking: Many airlines are offering rebooking options for delayed or canceled flights. Ensure you have the correct contact details for your airline and reach out for support.Explore Alternative Routes: If your flight is canceled, explore alternative routes or nearby airports to get to your destination. Many airlines can help with rebooking on other flights or provide compensation in the form of travel vouchers.Prepare for Long Waits: At airports, delays may mean longer wait times. Travelers should plan accordingly and remain updated on announcements from the airline or airport.Understand Your Rights: Know your rights when it comes to compensation for delays and cancellations, which vary by airline and region.Total Delays and Cancellations Across Canada
Today, Canada saw a total of 500 delays and 98 cancellations across the mentioned airlines. These disruptions have affected not only major international airports but also smaller regional airports, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of these operational challenges. Passengers should remain patient and stay informed about their flight status, especially during this period of heightened travel disruptions. It is crucial for travelers to ensure they have the necessary tools and support to navigate these delays efficiently.
Source: Flightaware
