Home » Airlines News of Canada » Thousands of Travelers Stuck in Canada with 60 Cancellations and 635 New Delays Impacting Air Canada, WestJet, Porter and More Airlines, as Snow and Arctic Storms Hit Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Others
Published on
March 15, 2026
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Thousands of travelers across Canada are facing significant disruptions today, with 60 cancellations and 635 delays affecting major airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, and others. The ongoing snow and Arctic storms have brought severe weather conditions to cities including Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and several other key destinations. As a result, travelers are experiencing extended waiting times, flight cancellations, and delays, leading to growing frustration at major Canadian airports. The combination of snow, icy conditions, and strong Arctic winds is severely impacting air travel, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where the weather has created dangerous conditions for both passengers and airline staff. As the storms continue, passengers are urged to stay updated with their airlines and be prepared for potential changes in their flight schedules.
Weather Impacting Major Canadian Airports
As of today, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, along with several other Canadian airports, is experiencing severe delays due to ongoing snowstorms. Ottawa is expected to experience snow throughout the weekend, with temperatures reaching highs of -1°C and lows plummeting to -14°C overnight. These icy conditions have led to 48 delays and 4 cancellations at Ottawa’s main airport. Passengers heading to or from Ottawa can expect significant disruptions, with the situation potentially worsening as the weekend progresses.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest airport, 266 delays and 25 cancellations have already been reported. The cold front and snowstorms gripping Ontario are making travel increasingly difficult. This is especially true fo r travelers heading to destinations further north or international destinations, where weather-related issues often cause a domino effect.
Analysis of Affected Cities and AirlinesCities Affected by Delays and Cancellations
The airports in major Canadian cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal are bearing the brunt of the weather-related disruptions. With Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal seeing high numbers of delays and cancellations, passengers traveling to these cities from across the country and beyond should be prepared for extended waiting times at airports.
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In addition, Vancouver International Airport has reported 69 delays and 6 cancellations, affecting flights to various destinations, especially those on the West Coast. Similarly, Calgary International and Halifax International are also seeing disruptions, with 76 delays and 4 cancellations at Calgary, and 38 delays and 10 cancellations at Halifax.AirportTotal DelaysTotal CancellationsToronto Pearson International26625Vancouver International696Montreal-Trudeau International13811Calgary International764Halifax International3810Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International484
Airlines Affected
The majority of these disruptions have affected major Canadian carriers, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines. Air Canada has reported 14 cancellations and 184 delays, with Jazz (ACA), which operates for Air Canada, facing 11 cancellations and 74 delays. These delays are causing widespread frustration for passengers, particularly those traveling internationally or on connecting flights. WestJet and Porter Airlines are also experiencing significant disruptions, with WestJet reporting 5 cancellations and 104 delays and Porter Airlines seeing 3 cancellations and 82 delays.
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AirlineCancellations% of Flights CancelledDelays% of Flights DelayedAir Canada142%18432%Jazz (ACA)112%7419%Air Canada Rouge (ACA)65%3025%WestJet51%10424%PAL Airlines (Provincial Airlines)912%1520%Porter Airlines31%8232%WestJet Encore10%2115%What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For travelers impacted by these disruptions, there are a few steps they can take to mitigate the stress:
Check Flight Status Frequently: Passengers should monitor the Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines websites or their mobile apps for real-time updates on flight status. Most airlines offer a flight tracking system where you can check for delays or cancellations in advance.Contact the Airline: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, contact your airline’s customer service. Most major airlines provide rebooking options, as well as meal and accommodation vouchers for those stranded overnight. Air Canada and WestJet often rebook passengers on later flights, but be prepared for a long wait.Plan for Extended Wait Times: If you are at the airport, ensure you have enough food, water, and entertainment as delays can sometimes last for several hours, especially with severe weather conditions. Many airports, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, have dedicated areas for passengers to wait out delays.Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing or reviewing your travel insurance policy. Many policies provide compensation for delays or cancellations, particularly in cases of severe weather.Total Disruptions Across Canada
Overall, 635 delays and 60 cancellations have been reported at Canadian airports, affecting both domestic and international flights. With the weather conditions expected to worsen, more delays and cancellations are likely. Travelers should continue to monitor the situation and plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress. As the snowstorms continue to grip Ottawa and other parts of Canada, and with a severe cold front sweeping across the Midwest, travelers should stay informed and be prepared for further disruptions. Staying proactive by checking flight statuses, contacting airlines, and preparing for extended waits will ensure a smoother experience despite the ongoing weather challenges.
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Source: FlightAware
