Thousands of Travelers Impacted across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, Republic and More Airlines Report 55 New Cancellations and 471 Delays Amid Storms in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Saskatoon and Beyond

Published on December 21, 2025

Thousands of travelers across Canada are facing significant disruptions today as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, Republic, and other airlines report a combined total of 55 cancellations and 471 delays. The delays are affecting major airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Saskatoon, and several other cities. Air Canada and WestJet have been the most impacted, with numerous flights being delayed or canceled due to adverse weather conditions, airport congestion, and operational issues. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses, as the situation is causing ripple effects across the country’s air travel network.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across Canadian Airports

As of today, Toronto Pearson International is the hardest-hit airport, with 272 delays and 24 cancellations. Montreal-Trudeau International follows closely, reporting 97 delays and 19 cancellations, while Vancouver International has seen 102 delays and 12 cancellations. This adds up to a total of 471 delays and 55 cancellations across the three major airports, resulting in severe disruptions for both domestic and international passengers.

Severe Weather Causes Widespread Power Outages

As of 11:45 a.m., Nova Scotia Power reported that more than 60,000 customers were without power. NB Power in New Brunswick confirmed that over 54,000 customers were also in the dark. In Newfoundland, over 5,000 people were affected by the outages, while in Prince Edward Island, Maritime Electric reported that 1,200 customers were without power.

The storm, which brought winds of up to 100 km/h to parts of Newfoundland and New Brunswick, caused significant damage to power infrastructure, leaving thousands without electricity. In addition, Environment Canada had issued weather warnings for Newfoundland, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Quebec, advising residents of high winds and the possibility of snowmelt and localized flooding.

Airlines Affected by Today’s Disruptions

Several airlines have been impacted by the disruptions, with some experiencing a higher volume of delays and cancellations than others. Here’s a breakdown of the affected airlines:

• Air Canada has seen 12 cancellations (3%) and a staggering 100 delays (32%) at Toronto Pearson, with a total of 3% cancellations and 19% delays across all airports. This marks the airline as one of the most significantly affected.
• WestJet reported 7 cancellations (6%) and 32 delays (27%) at Toronto Pearson, contributing to the airline’s widespread delays across Canada.
• Jazz (ACA) has experienced 2 cancellations (1%) and 45 delays (36%) at Montreal-Trudeau, impacting a significant number of passengers in Montreal.
• Porter Airlines had 2 cancellations (2%) and 35 delays (35%) across several airports, with notable disruptions in Vancouver and Toronto.
• Air Canada Rouge saw 27 delays (33%) at Toronto Pearson but no cancellations, demonstrating an ongoing struggle to maintain timely operations.
• Other airlines such as Air Transat, Republic, and Endeavor Air (DAL) have also been impacted, with Endeavor Air seeing 4 delays (33%) at Toronto Pearson and Republic experiencing 4 delays (11%).

Cities and Airports Most Affected

The disruptions are felt most severely in Toronto, where Toronto Pearson International is reporting the highest number of delays and cancellations. Passengers flying with Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines are facing significant delays, making Toronto one of the focal points of today’s travel chaos.

In Montreal, Montreal-Trudeau International is also experiencing considerable delays, especially for Jazz (ACA) and Porter Airlines. The 97 delays and 19 cancellations have left passengers struggling to make their connections.

Vancouver, while having fewer cancellations overall, still reports 102 delays with significant interruptions for Jazz, Porter Airlines, and Air Canada.

How the Storm is Impacting Daily Life

In addition to travel disruptions, the storm’s unseasonably warm air has caused snowmelt, leading to localized flooding in certain areas. Newfoundland and New Brunswick’s Fundy shore are particularly vulnerable to rising waters as the melting snow combines with the storm’s rain.

These extreme weather events are not only causing travel chaos but also making it difficult for residents to resume their daily routines. Power outages across the region have left many without access to heating, lighting, and essential services, particularly in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where high winds knocked out electricity for tens of thousands.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers traveling through these affected airports should stay vigilant and follow these steps:

• Check for updates: Always check the status of your flight regularly. Airlines and airports provide real-time updates on their websites and via their mobile apps.
• Contact airlines: If you’re experiencing an extended delay or cancellation, reach out to your airline’s customer service. Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet are offering rebooking options, but expect longer wait times.
• Explore compensation options: Passengers who face major delays may be entitled to compensation under Canadian travel regulations. Reach out to the airline for more details on compensation policies.
• Prepare for delays: If you are already at the airport, find out about your options. Many airports offer lounges, rest areas, and food vouchers for passengers affected by lengthy delays or cancellations.
• Consider travel insurance: For future trips, it’s worth considering travel insurance, especially if you’re traveling in peak seasons or to destinations with frequent weather disruptions.

Conclusion

With over 800 total delays and cancellations today across Canada’s major airports, travellers are advised to plan accordingly. Toronto Pearson International, Montreal-Trudeau International, and Vancouver International are the hardest-hit, with Air Canada and WestJet being the most affected airlines. The weather, along with high volumes of passengers, continues to complicate operations. As the situation develops, passengers should stay informed and prepared for possible changes to their travel plans.

Source: FlightAware and Afected Airports, The Canadian Press