Canadian Air Travel Chaos: WestJet, Air Canada Among Airlines Hit by Cancellations and Delays

Major travel disruptions have severely impacted Canadian air travel, with significant updates on cancellations and delays affecting several major airlines. WestJet Encore and Air Canada are among the carriers facing the brunt of these interruptions.

Current Disruptions Across Canadian Airports

As of today, Canadian airports have recorded a total of 45 cancellations and 325 delays. This has created considerable turmoil for travelers flying through key cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Kelowna.

• Total Number of Disruptions: 370 flights affected nationwide.
• Major Airports Affected:
  • Vancouver International Airport
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport
  • Calgary International Airport
  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
  • Kelowna International Airport

Impact on Specific Airports

Vancouver International Airport

The airport has seen 14 cancellations and 64 delays today. WestJet Encore has been the most affected, cancelling 15% of scheduled flights.

Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto Pearson reported 10 cancellations and 153 delays. WestJet Encore, again, faced the highest disruption with nearly 30% of its flights cancelled.

Calgary International Airport

Calgary experienced 6 cancellations alongside 35 delays, with WestJet Encore leading the cancellations list.

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

In Montreal, there were 5 cancellations and 59 delays. Significant disruptions were reported for Air Canada and Jazz (ACA).

Kelowna International Airport

Kelowna saw 10 cancellations and 14 delays, with WestJet Encore cancelling 27% of its flights.

Airlines Most Affected

• WestJet Encore:
  • 15% of flights cancelled at Vancouver.
  • Nearly 30% of flights cancelled at Toronto.
• Air Canada:
  • Reported delays across domestic and international routes.
• Jazz (ACA):
  • Significant delays reported on multiple regional flights.
• Porter Airlines:
  • Notable delays contributing to passenger backlogs.
• Other Carriers:
  • Flair Airlines and Pacific Coastal Airlines also faced smaller disruptions.

Advice for Affected Passengers

For travelers facing disruptions, here are some steps to consider:

• Check Flight Status: Keep updated with your airline for real-time changes.
• Rebook Flights: In case of cancellations, consider rebooking options as airlines may offer alternative flights.
• Understand Passenger Rights: Familiarize yourself with potential compensation or assistance available for delays and cancellations.
• Prepare for Wait Times: Be ready for extended delays at checkpoints and boarding gates.
• Seek Assistance: Airport staff can help provide information and support during disruptions.

Conclusion

The ongoing travel chaos in Canada poses challenges for thousands of passengers. With significant delays and cancellations, it’s vital for travelers to stay informed and adaptable. Whether flying through Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, or Kelowna, passengers should prepare for possible changes to their travel plans in the coming days.