Travel Chaos Across Canada: Widespread Cancellations and Delays Hit Major Airlines

Travelers across Canada are facing an unprecedented wave of flight disruptions. Over the past 24 hours, a combination of operational challenges, staffing shortages, and weather-related issues has forced major carriers—including WestJet Encore, Air Canada, Jazz, Porter, and Air France—to cancel dozens of flights and delay hundreds more. The chaos is being felt at key hubs such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Kelowna.

Scope of the Disruption

According to recent reports, more than 45 flights have been outright cancelled, while an additional 325 flights are experiencing significant delays. The cancellations span domestic routes and international connections, leaving passengers stranded at airports and scrambling for alternative travel plans.

Airlines Most Affected

• WestJet Encore – The regional arm of WestJet has suspended several morning departures, especially on routes linking Vancouver and Calgary.
• Air Canada – Canada’s flag carrier is grappling with crew shortages, resulting in a cascade of delayed departures from Toronto Pearson and Montreal Trudeau.
• Jazz Aviation – Jazz has cancelled a number of flights serving smaller communities, compounding the inconvenience for travelers in remote areas.
• Porter Airlines – The Toronto Island‑based carrier reports multiple cancellations, affecting both business and leisure travelers.
• Air France – International flights to and from Montreal have been delayed, impacting passengers heading to Europe and beyond.

Key Airports Impacted

The disruptions are most pronounced at the following airports:

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – Over 70 flights delayed, with several cancellations affecting cross‑country connections.
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – The busiest hub in Canada sees a backlog of delayed flights, especially on Air Canada’s domestic network.
• Calgary International Airport (YYC) – WestJet Encore’s regional operations have been hit hard, leading to numerous cancellations.
• Montreal‑Trudeau International Airport (YUL) – Both Air Canada and Air France are experiencing delays that ripple through European itineraries.
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – Smaller regional flights have been cancelled, limiting travel options for the Okanagan Valley.

What’s Behind the Turbulence?

Industry insiders point to a perfect storm of factors:

1. Staffing Shortages: Ongoing pilot and crew shortages have left airlines scrambling to re‑assign personnel.
2. Weather Challenges: Recent storms across western Canada have caused runway closures and delayed ground handling.
3. Technical Glitches: Some carriers reported system outages that hampered check‑in and boarding processes.

Tips for Affected Travelers

If you’re caught in the disruption, consider the following steps to minimize stress:

• Check airline apps or websites frequently for real‑time updates.
• Contact customer service early to explore rebooking options or refunds.
• Stay flexible with travel dates and consider alternative airports nearby.
• Keep essential documents and a charged mobile device handy for communication.

Looking Ahead

Airlines have pledged to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, but the recovery may take several days. Passengers are encouraged to remain patient and stay informed through official airline channels.

While the current travel chaos is inconvenient, it also highlights the importance of robust contingency planning within the aviation sector. As airlines work to resolve staffing and operational challenges, travelers can expect a gradual return to smoother skies.

Stay tuned for further updates, and safe travels!