Airlines across Canada continue to pivot as winter conditions intensify. Last week, WestJet saw a spike in cancellations after its major hub, Calgary International Airport, was forced to suspend flights due to a winter storm.
Air Canada faced similar difficulties. The carrier had even more flight disruptions a few days ago after passengers were stuck at Winnipeg International Airport due to a blizzard.
On Boxing Day, both Air Canada and WestJet may face additional complications, as their biggest hubs will be challenged by snow and ice.
Environment Canada has issued a travel warning, as the storm is expected to take place late Friday morning.
Here’s a closer look at the weather situation and how Air Canada and the airport in question have already pivoted.
Environment Canada Has Issued A Yellow-Coloured Snowfall Warning: Cancellations Announced At Pearson International Airport
Southern Ontario is bracing for a major storm with 12 centimeters of snow and icy conditions. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow-coloured snowfall warning for various regions, including Toronto.
The warning issued begins on Friday morning and continues into the evening. Environment Canada warned that travel may be difficult across parts of Toronto.
“Snow may be locally heavy at times during the Friday afternoon hours and reduce [visibility]. Travel may be difficult due to the accumulating snow. Motorists should exercise caution and adjust travel plans accordingly. Travel will likely be challenging.”
As a result, Toronto Pearson International Airport has already canceled multiple flights for Boxing Day. As of Friday morning, the airport has already canceled 37 departing flights and 24 arrivals. Both cancellations and delay numbers are expected to pick up on Friday, especially in the afternoon and into the evening.
For now, according to FlightAware, Air Canada has canceled 15 flights for Boxing Day. Again, this number may only increase throughout the day along with delays.
Air Canada has responded to the potential issues at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and is advising passengers on what to do in the event of a cancellation.
How Air Canada Has Reacted To The Pearson International Airport Snowfall On Boxing Day
Air Canada Airport counterCredit: Shutterstock
Air Canada has issued a warning for both Toronto airports, including Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. On its “Daily Travel Outlook” page, Air Canada has issued a warning for December 26 flights.
The airline wrote, “Flights may be impacted by forecasted snow.”
Air Canada has provided passengers with information on what to do if their flight is affected.
Air Canada writes, “Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy to make it easier for customers travelling on an affected flight to make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting. If your flight is affected, you can retrieve your booking to change your flight free of charge.”
Air Canada added that it is monitoring the situation closely throughout Boxing Day.
“Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is working to get you on your way safely and as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Along with the Toronto airports, Air Canada has issued warnings for other hubs, including airports in the U.S. affected by snowy conditions on Boxing Day.
Air Canada Advisories For December 26:
–New York (EWR): Winter operational conditions.
–New York (JFK): Winter operational conditions.
–New York (LGA): Winter operational conditions.
–Philadelphia (PHL): Winter operational conditions.
–St. John’s, Newfoundland (YYT): Winter operational conditions.
Along with the Boxing Day warnings, Air Canada faced other delays at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Christmas Day.
NAV CANADA issued an advisory at the airport in the early evening for possible delays.
Pearson International Airport Faced More Delays On Christmas Due To “Resource Constraints”
Passengers at the departure terminal at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.Credit: via Shutterstock
NAV CANADA warned that some flights may have been delayed on Christmas at Toronto Pearson International Airport due to “resource constraints.”
“Delays affecting flights in YYZ due to NAV CANADA resource constraints. Our team is moving aircraft safely and as quickly as possible. Passengers: check the status of your flight with your airline. We regret any impacts to airlines and their passengers,” the advisory wrote.
Toronto Pearson International Airport delayed 123 departing flights on Christmas, translating to a quarter of its departures. The airport also has six canceled flights.
As for Air Canada, the carrier had the most delays among Canadian airlines on Christmas, with 186, affecting 31% of its flights. The airline also had 12 cancellations.
WestJet had 134 delays on Christmas, along with just three cancellations.