Canada Flight Chaos: 60 Cancellations and 635 Delays as Arctic Storms Ground Air Canada & WestJet

Quick Summary

635 flights delayed and 60 cancelled across major Canadian airports today

Toronto Pearson International is the hardest hit, reporting 266 delays and 25 cancellations

Air Canada and WestJet account for the vast majority of disrupted schedules

Severe snow, icy conditions, and Arctic winds are driving the nationwide travel chaos

Thousands of travelers are stranded across Canada today as a ferocious wave of snow and Arctic storms forces the cancellation of 60 flights and delays 635 more. Major carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines are struggling to maintain schedules as extreme winter weather batters critical aviation hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, and Halifax. With temperatures plummeting and icy conditions creating hazardous environments for ground crews, the resulting travel disruptions are causing extended wait times and mounting frustration at terminals nationwide.

Weather Impacting Major Canadian Airports

The root cause of today’s sweeping disruptions is a severe weather system bringing heavy snow, penetrating cold fronts, and fierce Arctic winds across multiple provinces.

In the nation's capital, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is facing significant operational hurdles. Ottawa is expected to endure continuous snowfall through the weekend, with daytime highs struggling to reach -1°C and overnight lows plunging to a bitter -14°C. These freezing, icy conditions have already triggered 48 delays and 4 cancellations at the airport. Aviation authorities warn that disruptions in Ottawa are likely to worsen as the weekend progresses.

The situation is equally dire in Ontario. A powerful cold front and blinding snowstorms have gripped the province, severely impacting Toronto Pearson International Airport — Canada's busiest aviation gateway. The hazardous weather is creating a domino effect, particularly for passengers attempting to connect to northern or international destinations.

Airport-by-Airport Breakdown

Major Canadian airports are bearing the brunt of the storm's impact. Passengers traveling to or through Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal should brace for heavily congested terminals and extended waiting times.

Toronto Pearson International

Canada's primary hub is the epicenter of today's travel chaos. Toronto Pearson has recorded an astonishing 266 delays and 25 cancellations, making it the most severely disrupted airport in the country.

Montreal-Trudeau International

Further east, Montreal is grappling with its own winter weather challenges, resulting in 138 delays and 11 cancellations as snow and ice slow down ground operations.

Vancouver International

On the West Coast, Vancouver International Airport is reporting 69 delays and 6 cancellations. The disruptions are primarily affecting regional routes along the coast and incoming connections from weather-battered eastern hubs.

Calgary International

In Alberta, Calgary International has logged 76 delays and 4 cancellations, reflecting the widespread nature of the Arctic air mass affecting the western provinces.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International

As noted, the capital is facing 48 delays and 4 cancellations, with numbers expected to climb as temperatures drop tonight.

Halifax International

On the Atlantic coast, Halifax International has recorded 38 delays and 10 cancellations, contributing to the coast-to-coast operational strain.

Summary of Airport Disruptions

Toronto Pearson International: 266 Delays, 25 Cancellations
Montreal-Trudeau International: 138 Delays, 11 Cancellations
Calgary International: 76 Delays, 4 Cancellations
Vancouver International: 69 Delays, 6 Cancellations
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International: 48 Delays, 4 Cancellations
Halifax International: 38 Delays, 10 Cancellations

Airlines Affected: Air Canada and WestJet Take the Hit

The nation's largest carriers are absorbing the heaviest blows from the Arctic storms, with widespread frustration reported among international and connecting passengers.

Air Canada and its subsidiary networks are navigating significant schedule slippage. The mainline carrier has reported 14 cancellations (2% of flights) and 184 delays (32% of flights). Its regional operator, Jazz (ACA), is facing an additional 11 cancellations (2%) and 74 delays (19%). Air Canada Rouge has also been forced to cancel 6 flights (5%) and delay 30 (25%).

WestJet is experiencing similarly disruptive metrics, reporting 5 cancellations (1%) and 104 delays (24%), while its regional arm, WestJet Encore, has delayed 21 flights (15%) and cancelled 1 (0%).

Regional and boutique carriers are not immune. Porter Airlines has seen 3 cancellations (1%) and 82 delays (32%), and PAL Airlines (Provincial Airlines) has recorded 9 cancellations (12%) and 15 delays (20%).

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are scheduled to fly within, to, or from Canada today, taking immediate proactive steps is essential to mitigate the stress of the disruptions:

Check Flight Status Frequently: Do not leave for the airport without checking your airline's website or mobile app. Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter offer real-time tracking systems to monitor delays in advance.
Contact the Airline Digitally: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, use the airline's mobile app to explore rebooking options. Phone lines are likely overwhelmed. Major airlines like Air Canada and WestJet frequently offer self-service rebooking portals.
Prepare for Extended Wait Times: If you are already at the airport, stock up on food, water, and ensure your devices are fully charged. Delays in severe winter weather can easily stretch into multiple hours. Airports like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International have dedicated rest areas for stranded passengers.
Understand Your Accommodations: When flights are cancelled due to weather, airlines typically rebook passengers on the next available flight. However, because weather is considered outside the airline's control, they may not be legally obligated to provide hotel vouchers.
Review Travel Insurance: Check your travel insurance policy immediately. Many comprehensive policies provide compensation for weather-related delays, covering unexpected meal and hotel expenses.

Total Disruptions Across Canada

The nationwide tally currently stands at 635 delays and 60 cancellations, affecting a vast network of domestic and international routes. Unfortunately, with the Arctic storms continuing to grip Ottawa and a severe cold front sweeping across the country, meteorological forecasts suggest conditions will worsen before they improve.

Travelers should expect further disruptions through the weekend. The most effective strategy is to stay informed, prepare for extended waits at the terminal, and remain flexible as airlines battle some of the harshest winter flying conditions of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Canadian airport has the most flight delays today? Toronto Pearson International Airport is the most disrupted, reporting 266 delays and 25 cancellations due to severe snowstorms and a powerful cold front gripping Ontario.

How many Air Canada flights are delayed or cancelled in the Arctic storm? Air Canada mainline has reported 184 delays and 14 cancellations. When including its subsidiaries Jazz and Air Canada Rouge, the total climbs to 288 delays and 31 cancellations.

Is WestJet cancelling flights due to the weather? Yes, WestJet has recorded 5 cancellations and 104 delays, with WestJet Encore adding an additional 21 delays and 1 cancellation to the network's disruptions.

Will airlines pay for my hotel if a snowstorm cancels my flight in Canada? Generally, no. Under Canadian passenger rights regulations, weather is considered a disruption outside the airline's control. While they must rebook you on the next available flight, they are typically not required to provide compensation for meals or accommodations. Travel insurance is your best protection in these scenarios.

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Disclaimer: Flight disruption data sourced from airline and airport reports as of March 15, 2026. Figures are subject to change as storm conditions evolve. Always verify your flight status directly with your airline before traveling.