Air Canada Struggles with Massive Travel Chaos for 20 Cancellations and 143 Delays, Leaving Passengers Isolated across Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver and other Destinations

Published on December 21, 2025

Air Canada has encountered significant operational disruptions, affecting thousands of travelers across major Canadian airports. In an unprecedented series of events, the airline experienced 20 flight cancellations and 143 delays, with passengers stranded in key airports such as Toronto Pearson International, Montreal-Trudeau, Edmonton International, and Vancouver International. These disruptions, which began on Friday evening and stretched into the weekend, left passengers facing extended waiting times and uncertainty regarding their travel plans.

Affected Routes and Airports

The extent of the disruptions was felt across several major airports, with Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) being the hardest hit. Air Canada’s flight network, both domestic and international, faced widespread delays and cancellations, with key routes experiencing the most significant impact.

Key Canceled Flights:

• ACA698 (A320) from Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) to St. John’s International (CYYT), canceled at 9:30 PM EST on Friday.
• ACA429 (B77W) from Montreal-Trudeau (CYUL) to Toronto Pearson (CYYZ), canceled at 9:40 PM EST on Friday.
• ACA271 (A320) from Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) to Winnipeg International (CYWG), canceled at 10:20 PM EST on Friday.
• ACA1027 (B38M) from Fort Lauderdale International (KFLL) to Toronto Pearson (CYYZ), canceled at 10:25 PM EST on Friday.

The cancellations affected passengers on high-demand domestic and international routes. This created a ripple effect across the airline’s operations, causing confusion and frustration for those impacted.

Key Delayed Flights:

• ACA163 (A321) from Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) to Edmonton International (CYEG), delayed to 8:10 AM EST on Saturday.
• ACA331 (B38M) from Montreal-Trudeau (CYUL) to Edmonton International (CYEG), delayed to 8:20 AM EST on Saturday.
• ACA107 (B788) from Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) to Vancouver International (CYVR), delayed to 10:10 AM EST on Saturday.
• ACA787 (B38M) from Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) to Los Angeles International (KLAX), delayed to 12:55 PM EST on Saturday.

These delays ranged from one to several hours, leaving many travelers stranded and facing challenges with rebooking and finding alternative arrangements.

Possible Causes of the Disruption

Although Air Canada has not yet provided an official explanation for the disruptions, several factors likely contributed to the widespread delays and cancellations.

1. Weather Conditions

Severe weather in various regions, including snowstorms and poor visibility, likely played a key role in grounding flights. Toronto Pearson, being Canada’s busiest airport, is particularly susceptible to weather-related delays, especially during winter months. Weather conditions can significantly affect flight operations, including de-icing procedures and overall flight safety, which may have contributed to the extensive delays and cancellations.

2. Operational and Technical Issues

Air Canada may have faced challenges with its operational systems. Issues such as flight crew scheduling, aircraft readiness, and technical glitches can lead to disruptions in an airline’s operations. The airline may have experienced delays in its ability to turn around aircraft in time for departures, further exacerbating the delays and cancellations.

3. Staffing and High Demand

With the holiday season in full swing, staffing shortages in the airline industry, compounded by high travel demand, can cause delays in flight scheduling, check-in processes, and ground operations. Air Canada may have been dealing with these operational constraints, resulting in a backlog of affected flights that contributed to the chaos.

Passenger Impact: Stranded at Key Airports

Passengers faced significant challenges as they navigated through the disruptions. With over 143 delays and 20 cancellations, many travelers were left stranded in airports without clear guidance on their next steps. Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau airports were particularly affected, with travelers dealing with long queues at rebooking counters and delays in finding alternative flights.

The chaos extended to flights with connections, making it difficult for passengers to reach their final destinations. Passengers on flights traveling to Edmonton, Vancouver, and Los Angeles were particularly affected, with flight schedules changing rapidly.

Air Canada’s Response to the Disruption

In the wake of the widespread disruption, Air Canada has been working to address the situation by rebooking affected passengers. The airline has issued statements assuring customers that it is doing everything possible to clear the backlog of canceled flights and delays. Air Canada has also emphasized its efforts to ensure that passengers are provided with support, including meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for those who faced overnight delays due to cancellations.

While Air Canada has taken steps to communicate with passengers through its website and customer service channels, there have been reports of delays in rebooking, particularly for travelers trying to secure seats on flights in the coming days.

What Affected Passengers Can Expect

For passengers impacted by delays and cancellations, Air Canada has provided the following options:

1. Rebooking on Alternative Flights

Air Canada has worked to rebook passengers on later flights, though availability may be limited due to high demand during the holiday season. It is recommended that affected passengers check the airline’s website or mobile app for real-time flight updates and options.

2. Compensation for Major Delays

Passengers experiencing delays of three hours or more may be entitled to compensation under Canadian air passenger protection regulations. This may include meal vouchers, accommodation, and refunds for flights that were significantly delayed or canceled.

3. Monitoring for Further Updates

Passengers are advised to regularly monitor the airline’s communications, including email notifications and flight status alerts, to stay updated on any changes to their flight itineraries.

How to Navigate Air Canada’s Disruptions

For passengers with upcoming Air Canada flights, there are several strategies to minimize the impact of these disruptions:

• Check Flight Status: Regularly check the status of your flight via Air Canada’s website or mobile app to receive the latest updates.
• Know Your Rights: Be aware of your rights as a passenger, particularly regarding compensation for long delays or cancellations. If you are eligible for compensation, ensure that you request it through the airline’s customer service channels.
• Plan for Extra Time: Expect longer-than-usual waiting times at the airport, especially for rebooking or customer service assistance. Bring snacks, entertainment, and essential items to make the wait more manageable.
• Have a Backup Plan: In case Air Canada is unable to provide a timely rebooking, consider alternative travel options such as other airlines or forms of transportation.

Conclusion: Challenges Ahead for Air Canada

The 20 cancellations and 143 delays faced by Air Canada represent a significant disruption to the airline’s operations. With Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver airports seeing the brunt of the delays, the airline has worked to rebook passengers and offer compensation where possible. However, the chaos is a reminder of the complex challenges airlines face, particularly during busy travel periods.

As Air Canada works to recover from this disruption, passengers are advised to stay informed, monitor flight statuses, and prepare for potential delays in the coming days. The airline’s response to the situation will likely determine how quickly it can regain customer confidence and restore smooth operations.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware