Flights continue to be impacted on Thursday, 23FEB, following Canada-wide snow storms.
According to the Canadian Press, more than 100 flights in and out of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport are cancelled after the storm dumped about 17 centimetres of snow on the city.
Environment Canada says southern and southwestern Ontario could see periods of freezing drizzle and icy conditions into Thursday afternoon.
Air Canada advises that snow delays can still affect YUL, YOW, YQB, YYZ and YTZ.
In addition to the above cities, WestJet includes B.C. airports in their delay advisory: YVR, YYJ, YQQ, YCD and YXX.
More than 1,700 flights were canceled in the United States on Wednesday, 22FEB as a winter storm hit the country, with disruptions set to continue through Thursday.
By the end of the Wednesday, a total of 1,771 flights in and out of the US had been cancelled, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. Delta cancelled more than 300 flights, while Southwest cancelled close to 290.
Previously reported:
Canadian airlines have issued travel advisories for airports in Ontario and Quebec due to a winter snow system which is expected to bring heavy snowfall and freezing rain, affecting airport operations 22-24FEB. Porter Airlines has also issued a travel advisory for YYC.
As reported by NBC News, parts of the western and north-central U.S. are also preparing for the severe winter weather, which is threatening to bring "historic" snowfall, with over 1000 flights already cancelled, and 'do not travel' advisories in place in some destinations.
Here are the Canadian advisories in place:
Air Canada
Air Canada has issued a series of travel advisories for the following airports from 22-24FEB:
- YUL - 22 to 24FEB
- YOW - 22 to 24FEB
- YQB - 22 to 24FEB
- YTZ - 22 to 23FEB
- YYZ - 22 to 23FEB
- YYT - 22FEB only due to "winter operational conditions"
According to the advisories, customers travelling on an affected flight can make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting. If their flight is affected, pax can retrieve their booking to change their flight free of charge.
Air Canada also recommends travellers check their Flight Status or call its automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533 before heading to the airport. Further information on Air Canada's re-booking policies for anticipated flight delays and cancellations can be found on its web site.
WestJet
WestJet has issued travel advisories for YUL as well as for all airports in Southern Ontario from 22-23FEB. The airline notes that the storm may cause delays or cancellations.
According to the advisories, WestJet's flexible change/cancel policies are in effect. Pax are advised to check their flight status before going to the airport.
WestJet has also advised pax who have made an air-only booking through a travel agent to contact the agent directly.
Porter Airlines
Porter has issued the following travel advisories, running from 22-24FEB:
- YYC - 22 to 24FEB
- YQB - 22 to 24FEB
- YTZ - 22 to 23FEB
- YYZ - 22 to 23FEB
- YUL - 22FEB
- YQG - 22FEB
- YOW - 22FEB
Passengers are being advised to monitor their flight status and check their bookings to learn if their flight is eligible for complimentary changes. According to Porter, a waiver may be issued for select flights, allowing pax to change their bookings to fly earlier or later than scheduled, avoiding potential travel disruptions.
Additionally, pax are also advised to ensure the contact information provided on their reservation is accurate, so Porter may notify them of last-minute changes to their flight status by email or text message. If flights are cancelled or delayed by 15 minutes or more, a flight notification will be sent.
According to Porter, passengers on eligible flights will be able to change or cancel their bookings online without penalty, space permitting.
Sunwing
Sunwing has issued a travel advisory for Ontario and Québec running from 22 to 23FEB.
Pax with flight departures during this period are encouraged by Sunwing to check their flight status before travelling, and are advised to for allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport.
"We are monitoring the weather forecast closely and will do all that we can to minimize disruptions to customers' travel plans," said the operator in its advisory.
