Thousands of Passengers Stuck in Canada, Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, Porter and Other Airlines Face 67 Cancellations and 316 Delays Amid Cold Snap, Including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton and More
Published on
February 9, 2026
Thousands of passengers are stranded across Canada as severe weather disrupts air travel. Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, Porter, and other airlines are facing significant delays and 67 cancellations due to a powerful cold snap affecting the country. The disruption is widespread, with major airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, and Edmonton bearing the brunt of the impact. Passengers are grappling with frozen schedules and long waits as cold temperatures continue to wreak havoc on flight operations. With extreme wind chills and icy conditions, the delays have left travelers frustrated and anxious, especially in Canada’s busiest cities.
Many are now looking for solutions as they try to navigate these challenging circumstances. The ripple effects are being felt across the nation, with flights still grounded or delayed, creating a ripple of frustration for thousands of people. Stay updated and prepared as the situation unfolds.
Canada Experiences Widespread Travel Disruptions Due to Extreme Cold Weather
Canada is facing significant travel disruptions as Environment Canada’s cold warning continues to affect major regions, including Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The severe cold, with wind chills reaching as low as -35°C to -40°C, has already led to multiple delays and flight cancellations across the country. With frigid temperatures, hazardous road conditions, and snowstorms expected, travelers are facing a challenging start to their week.
Current Travel Delays and Cancellations
According to the latest data, airports across Canada are grappling with considerable operational slowdowns:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ):
- Delays: 161
- Cancellations: 42
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR):
- Delays: 61
- Cancellations: 6
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL):
- Delays: 54
- Cancellations: 5
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW):
- Delays: 15
- Cancellations: 4
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG):
- Delays: 15
- Cancellations: 3
- Charlottetown Airport (YYG):
- Delays: 2
- Cancellations: 3
- Kelowna International Airport (YLW):
- Delays: 8
- Cancellations: 4
In total, 316 flights have been delayed, and 67 flights have been cancelled today across Canadian airports. The ongoing cold front and the yellow warning-cold from Environment Canada are expected to continue affecting air travel throughout the week, making it difficult for passengers to reach their destinations on time.
Airports, Cities, and Airlines Affected
Airports
The following Canadian airports are bearing the brunt of this cold snap:
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- Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), Canada’s busiest airport, has seen the highest number of delays and cancellations, with 161 delays and 42 cancellations. This high volume of disruptions is mainly due to the extreme wind chills that make de-icing procedures and runway conditions challenging.
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is also heavily impacted, with 61 delays and 6 cancellations, particularly affecting flights bound for destinations in Eastern Canada and the US West Coast. The airport’s high traffic combined with icy conditions has led to long waiting times.
- Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL), with 54 delays and 5 cancellations, is facing severe cold and lower visibility, leading to reduced flight operations, especially to international destinations.
Other affected airports include Ottawa, Edmonton, Charlottetown, and Kelowna, each reporting delays and cancellations, though at a lower volume.
Airlines
The major airlines operating in Canada, such as Air Canada, Jazz, WestJet, and Porter Airlines, have been particularly impacted:
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- Air Canada (ACA): The flag carrier has seen 100 delays and 16 cancellations, with a delay rate of 18%. Regional flights operated by Jazz have also been delayed, with 55 delays and 24 cancellations.
- WestJet and WestJet Encore have also faced issues, with 52 delays and 2 cancellations at WestJet, and 13 delays at WestJet Encore.
- Porter Airlines is relatively less affected but still saw 22 delays and 1 cancellation.
- Air Canada Rouge, which operates seasonal and leisure flights, experienced 7 cancellations and 26 delays, with a notable delay rate of 27%.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For affected passengers, there are several steps to take to minimize the impact of these disruptions:
- Check for Flight Updates: Passengers are advised to regularly check their flight status with their airline, either through their mobile apps or the official websites. With weather conditions changing rapidly, flight schedules could change at short notice.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines offer text and email alerts to notify passengers of any delays or cancellations. Signing up for these services can help you stay informed.
- Consider Rebooking or Refund Options: If your flight is cancelled, you may be eligible for a rebooking or a refund. Airlines often offer flexibility during weather-related disruptions, so it is advisable to check their rebooking policies.
- Prepare for Delays: If you are flying from an airport like Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International, where delays are especially high, plan to arrive early and bring essentials such as snacks, water, and chargers for your devices. Airport lounges are an option to relax in case of long waits.
- Protect Yourself from the Cold: If you’re travelling through Ottawa or other cold regions, it is essential to stay warm while waiting at the airport. Layer up with appropriate clothing, including gloves, hats, and scarves, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
- Mind the Impact on Pets: If you’re travelling with pets, keep in mind that the cold weather can be just as dangerous for them. Ensure they are well-prepared for the conditions, and if necessary, seek indoor shelter.
Final Thoughts
The current cold snap and yellow warning-cold across Canada is expected to cause further disruptions in the coming days. Passengers should stay informed about flight statuses and be prepared for potentially long delays. With 316 delays and 67 cancellations already reported, the weather will continue to challenge the country’s air travel infrastructure. Stay warm, stay informed, and stay safe.
Source: Flightaware and affected airports
