Saudia, United, Air France, WestJet, Air India, China, Air Canada Face Over Eighty Cancellations as Travel Disruptions Continue Due to Winter Storm at Vancouver and Toronto Airports: New Updates You Need to Know

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Air travel remains disrupted at Vancouver and Toronto airports as a recent winter storm continues to impact flight schedules. Airlines such as Saudia, United, Air France, WestJet, Air India, China Airlines, and Air Canada have collectively faced over eighty cancellations, adding to ongoing travel disruptions. The effects of the storm are still being felt, causing delays and operational challenges at both Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Passengers are advised to monitor their flights closely as airlines work to recover from the weather-related setbacks.

Winter weather is wreaking havoc on air travel in Canada, with significant delays and cancellations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). An Arctic airmass bringing strong winds and extreme cold is impacting flights, leaving travelers frustrated and scrambling for alternatives. Whether you’re flying through Vancouver or Toronto, here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the disruptions and minimize travel headaches.

What’s Behind the Chaos?

At Vancouver International Airport (YVR), an Arctic airmass over British Columbia is driving strong outflow winds up to 40 km/h, with wind chills plunging to a bitter minus 20°C in some areas. These harsh conditions are affecting flight operations, leading to numerous delays and cancellations. The worst of the cold is expected during overnight and early morning hours, increasing risks for both travelers and ground crews.

Meanwhile, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is also experiencing widespread delays and cancellations due to ongoing winter weather conditions. While no Arctic blast is hitting Toronto as intensely as Vancouver, winter storms and operational challenges have led to a backlog of flights, frustrating passengers across the country.

Flight Disruptions at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Today’s airline delays and cancellations at YVR show how widespread the impact has been:

• Jazz: 27 cancellations (21%), 17 delays (13%)
• WestJet: 16 cancellations (17%), 24 delays (26%)
• WestJet Encore: 10 cancellations (38%), 3 delays (11%)
• Air Canada: 4 cancellations (2%), 38 delays (27%)
• Pacific Coastal Airlines: 2 cancellations (4%), 5 delays (11%)
• China Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
• Cargojet: 0 cancellations (0%), 4 delays (26%)
• Cathay Pacific: 0 cancellations (0%), 2 delays (50%)
• Hong Kong Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (100%)
• EVA Air: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
• Korean Air: 0 cancellations (0%), 2 delays (66%)
• Porter Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 3 delays (33%)
• Sunwing: 0 cancellations (0%), 4 delays (100%)
• United: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (5%)
• Air France: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)

In addition to today’s disruptions, YVR has experienced major issues over the past few days:

• Yesterday: 97 delays, 59 cancellations
• Monday: 373 delays, 101 cancellations
• Sunday: 354 delays, 80 cancellations

The good news? The outflow winds at YVR are expected to weaken by Wednesday, which should help stabilize flight schedules. However, passengers should still anticipate potential residual delays.

Flight Disruptions at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson has also seen a rough few days, with widespread delays and cancellations:

• Yesterday: 132 delays, 25 cancellations
• Monday: 391 delays, 36 cancellations
• Sunday: 464 delays, 53 cancellations

Here’s a breakdown of today’s disruptions at Toronto Pearson:

• Air Canada: 9 cancellations (3%), 65 delays (23%)
• Jazz: 9 cancellations (7%), 16 delays (12%)
• WestJet: 7 cancellations (8%), 17 delays (19%)
• Alaska Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
• Copa Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
• Envoy Air: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (10%)
• EVA Air: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
• PSA Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (7%)
• Avianca Costa Rica: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (33%)
• Porter Airlines: 0 cancellations (0%), 14 delays (20%)
• Air Canada Rouge: 0 cancellations (0%), 9 delays (14%)
• Sata Internacional: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
• Saudia: 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (100%)
• Sunwing: 0 cancellations (0%), 5 delays (23%)
• United: 0 cancellations (0%), 2 delays (16%)
• Air India: 0 cancellations (0%), 2 delays (50%)

How to Survive the Delays and Cancellations

If you’re flying in or out of Vancouver or Toronto in the coming days, here are some key travel survival tips:

1. Check Your Flight Status Frequently – Flights are changing by the minute. Set up real-time alerts with your airline, and check updates multiple times before leaving for the airport.
2. Prepare for the Cold – If you’re stuck waiting, layer up! Vancouver’s wind chills of minus 20°C are no joke, and standing outside for even short periods could increase your risk of frostbite.
3. Allow Extra Travel Time – With so many delays, connections are at risk. If you have a layover, give yourself buffer time to accommodate shifting schedules.
4. Know Your Rights – Airlines have policies on rebooking and compensation for delays and cancellations. If your flight is significantly impacted, reach out to the airline ASAP for options.
5. Stay Comfortable at the Airport – YVR and YYZ offer lounges, charging stations, and seating areas to make waiting a little easier. Take advantage of amenities to stay warm and connected.

Stay Informed, Stay Warm, and Be Flexible

It’s a tough time to travel, with Vancouver battling Arctic outflow winds and Toronto experiencing ongoing winter disruptions. But by staying informed, planning ahead, and remaining flexible, you can make the best of a challenging situation.

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