Air Canada & WestJet Hit by Major Delays as Winter Storm Shuts Down Calgary Airport, What Travelers from the US, UK, and Europe Must Know About Cancellations!

Published on December 18, 2025

Air Canada & WestJet Hit by Major Delays as Winter Storm Shuts Down Calgary Airport — What Travelers from the US, UK, and Europe Must Know About Cancellations! As a potent winter storm sweeps through the Canadian Prairies, travel disruptions are mounting, particularly at Calgary International Airport (YYC). The storm, characterized by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and strong winds, has led to a temporary closure of the airport, grounding dozens of flights and causing severe delays for travelers. Major airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, have been heavily impacted, with hundreds of passengers experiencing canceled flights and rebookings. This disruption has caused a ripple effect throughout Canada’s air travel network, with international visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe facing significant travel challenges. For those planning to travel to or from Calgary, staying informed about the ongoing situation is essential, as weather conditions are expected to continue affecting flight schedules. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates, as both Air Canada and WestJet are offering flexible rebooking options to minimize the impact of this storm.

Air Canada & WestJet Hit by Major Delays as Winter Storm Shuts Down Calgary Airport — What Travelers from the US, UK, and Europe Must Know About Cancellations!

As winter storms wreak havoc across the Canadian Prairies, travelers heading to and from Calgary are facing significant disruptions. The recent severe weather, including heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds, has caused the temporary closure of Calgary International Airport (YYC), grounding flights and stranding passengers. Both Air Canada and WestJet are among the major airlines affected by this powerful storm. With dozens of flights canceled and hundreds delayed, it’s crucial for travelers, especially those flying from international destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, to stay updated on their travel plans.

Winter Storm Disrupts Air Canada and WestJet Flights

The potent winter storm that began disrupting the Prairies on December 17, 2025, forced the closure of Calgary International Airport early in the afternoon. With severe snowfall and near-zero visibility, officials at YYC had no choice but to temporarily suspend all flights. The closure lasted several hours, causing ripple effects throughout the region. This not only impacted local flights but also led to cancellations for travelers arriving or departing from major hubs, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

For airlines like Air Canada and WestJet, this storm presents a major logistical challenge. Both carriers are known for operating numerous flights through Calgary, one of Canada’s busiest airports. Air Canada, the country’s flag carrier, and WestJet, the largest low-cost carrier, are both offering waivers for affected passengers. Travelers can rebook their flights without incurring change fees, depending on availability.

The winter storm’s impact has caused considerable disruptions, with dozens of flights to and from Calgary canceled. For travelers, this means unexpected delays, additional fees for overnight accommodations, and the possibility of missed connections. While the airlines are doing their best to accommodate passengers, those traveling during peak holiday times should be prepared for potential setbacks.

What Travelers from the US, UK, and Europe Need to Know About Cancellations

International travelers, particularly those coming from the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, are most likely to feel the effects of the winter storm. These regions make up the bulk of overseas travelers to Canada, with thousands of flights routed through Calgary every day. With the storm causing severe travel disruptions, passengers flying from cities like New York, London, and Paris should monitor flight statuses closely.

Airlines are offering flexible rebooking options for those whose flights have been impacted by the storm. For example, Air Canada is permitting travelers to change their flights for free, space permitting, for those whose flights were scheduled on December 17. Similarly, WestJet is allowing travelers to change travel dates or routes without penalty, though conditions apply. Travelers should check with their respective airlines for the most current policies.

For tourists from the US, UK, and Europe, it’s important to stay updated not only on their departure city’s weather but also on the conditions at their destination. Calgary’s airport, as one of the primary gateways into Canada, is likely to experience further delays in the coming days as the winter storm tracks east. Even if travelers are not directly flying into Calgary, their flights could be impacted by the cascading delays across other airports.

Impact on the Hospitality Industry in Calgary

As the storm has disrupted travel, Calgary’s hospitality industry is experiencing its own set of challenges. With travelers stranded due to canceled flights, hotels near the airport and downtown Calgary are seeing an uptick in bookings. However, many of these reservations are last-minute, and guests often find themselves paying higher rates for short stays.

Hotels in Calgary are working hard to accommodate displaced passengers. For instance, major hotel chains near Calgary International Airport, such as the Sheraton, Marriott, and Hilton, are offering special rates for stranded travelers. Some of these hotels are providing amenities like free transportation to and from the airport, while others are extending their check-out times to accommodate passengers whose flights have been delayed or rescheduled.

However, the storm also brings challenges for restaurants and other hospitality services. Local businesses are seeing a drop in traffic as tourists opt to stay in their hotels to avoid venturing out in the storm. Those staying in hotels near the airport may find themselves relying on in-room dining or hotel restaurants rather than exploring Calgary’s diverse food scene. This has led to an increase in demand for delivery services, which are also affected by the storm’s impact on local roads.

Airline Operations: What to Expect for the Coming Days

With the winter storm’s full effects expected to last for several more days, travelers can expect continued disruptions in flight schedules. Air Canada and WestJet are working with airport authorities to clear the backlog of delayed and canceled flights, but it’s likely that some flights may continue to be delayed in the coming days, particularly for routes going through Calgary.

Passengers should keep in mind that cancellations aren’t limited to flights from Calgary. The weather is impacting airports across Canada, including those in Ontario and Quebec. The severe conditions are causing delays at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal Trudeau (YUL), making connections between flights more difficult. For international travelers, this means that flights connecting through major Canadian hubs may also face significant delays.

To avoid unnecessary stress, passengers are advised to recheck flight status regularly. This can be done on the airline’s website or mobile app, or by signing up for flight status notifications. Airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet also have dedicated customer service lines to assist passengers with rebooking or addressing concerns.

What Tourists Can Do to Prepare for Travel Disruptions

If you are traveling to Canada, it’s crucial to stay proactive and informed when facing a winter storm. Here are some travel tips to help you navigate potential disruptions:

1. Monitor Your Flight Status Regularly: The situation at Calgary International Airport and other major hubs can change rapidly. Sign up for real-time flight notifications from your airline to stay informed of any changes to your flight status.
2. Check the Weather Forecast: While the storm is primarily affecting the Calgary area, it could have ripple effects on other airports across Canada. Check the weather forecast in both your departure and arrival cities before leaving for the airport.
3. Plan for Extra Travel Time: Due to the increased number of cancellations and delays, passengers should allow extra time at the airport. Arrive early to check in and go through security, especially if you have connecting flights.
4. Prepare for Overnight Delays: If you’re traveling to or from Calgary, it’s possible you may need to stay overnight due to flight cancellations. Be sure to have a backup plan for accommodations. Many hotels near the airport offer shuttle services, and some even allow for late check-ins.
5. Consider Travel Insurance: If you haven’t already, it may be wise to invest in travel insurance, especially during the winter months when weather disruptions are more frequent. This can help cover costs if your flight is canceled or delayed, and it can provide peace of mind.

Tourism in Calgary: What Visitors Should Know

For international tourists planning to visit Calgary, it’s important to keep the local conditions in mind. Calgary is a beautiful destination year-round, offering a range of outdoor activities in winter, such as skiing in the nearby Rocky Mountains and exploring the city’s cultural offerings. However, winter weather can significantly impact travel plans.

For those looking to make the most of their Calgary visit, here are a few tips to help:

• Winter Gear: Calgary experiences extreme winter temperatures, especially during storm events. Be sure to pack warm clothing, including a durable coat, gloves, scarf, and boots. If you plan to ski or snowboard, ensure you have the proper gear, or rent equipment at the mountain resorts nearby.
• Public Transportation: Calgary has a reliable public transit system, but winter weather can impact bus schedules and routes. Always check for any delays or closures before relying on public transport.
• Sightseeing Options: While Calgary’s outdoor activities may be affected by snowstorms, the city offers plenty of indoor attractions. Visit the Calgary Tower for breathtaking views, explore the Glenbow Museum’s exhibits, or enjoy a cozy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants downtown.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Winter Travel in Canada

The winter storm that impacted Calgary serves as a reminder of how unpredictable winter weather can be in Canada. The country’s winter season presents challenges for both travelers and the hospitality industry, but it also offers an opportunity for adventure and exploration. As more travelers from the United States, Europe, and beyond flock to Canada each year, especially during the winter months, airlines, hotels, and local businesses will continue to adapt to these weather challenges.

For those planning to visit Canada in the future, understanding the winter weather patterns and preparing for potential disruptions is essential. With proper planning, flexibility, and a little patience, travelers can still have a smooth and enjoyable experience despite the unpredictability of winter storms.

Air Canada & WestJet face massive delays as a powerful winter storm shuts down Calgary Airport—are your travel plans at risk? Discover everything you need to know about flight cancellations and how this storm is impacting global travelers!

Wrapping Up

Traveling during winter can be challenging, especially when powerful storms like the one in December 2025 disrupt flights and travel plans. By staying informed about flight statuses, understanding the impact on the hospitality industry, and being prepared for the weather, tourists can navigate these disruptions with ease. As airlines like Air Canada and WestJet work to accommodate passengers and Calgary’s hotels adjust to the influx of stranded travelers, visitors from the US, UK, and Europe can still make the most of their time in Calgary and beyond.