Canada Faces New Travel Turmoil as Air Canada, Jazz, WestJet, Porter and Other Carriers Are Hit with 29 Cancellations and Over 500 Delays in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver

Published on December 22, 2025

Canada is currently grappling with widespread travel turmoil as Air Canada, Jazz, WestJet, Porter, and other carriers are facing significant disruptions. 29 cancellations and over 500 delays have hit major airports across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, stranding thousands of passengers. This unprecedented disruption is causing frustration for travelers, particularly as the holiday season intensifies. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, three of Canada’s busiest airports, have been the hardest hit, with many flights delayed or canceled due to various operational challenges. Travelers are urged to stay informed through airline apps and airport websites for the latest updates on their flight statuses. As the situation continues to unfold, passengers may experience longer-than-usual wait times and seek alternative flight options to minimize inconvenience. Canada’s aviation sector is under immense pressure to manage this ongoing crisis.

Air Travel Chaos in Canada: Major Delays and Cancellations Across Key Airports

Travelers across Canada are facing widespread disruptions today, as major airports including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport experience significant delays and cancellations. With the holiday season in full swing, thousands of passengers are left stranded or facing prolonged wait times, with airlines scrambling to accommodate the increased volume of affected travelers.

Delays and Cancellations: A Snapshot of Today’s Impact

As of today, Canada’s major airports are reporting a total of 542 flight delays and 29 cancellations across the three busiest hubs. These disruptions are affecting travelers at some of Canada’s largest airports, including Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International.

• Toronto Pearson International Airport: 137 delays and 20 cancellations.
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport: 141 delays and 8 cancellations.
• Vancouver International Airport: 122 delays and 1 cancellation.

The delays are particularly concerning, with Air Canada, Jazz (ACA), WestJet, and Porter Airlines being the hardest hit. Passengers traveling through these airports are facing significant disruptions, with some airlines reporting delays affecting nearly half of their scheduled flights.

Analysis of the Airports, Cities, and Airlines Affected

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto Pearson, Canada’s busiest airport, is facing the most severe delays, with 44% of flights delayed. Air Canada dominates the delay statistics, with 137 delayed flights, accounting for a large portion of the disruption. The airport is also seeing several cancellations, including 20 cancelled flights, which is exacerbating the congestion.

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

In Montreal, 141 delays and 8 cancellations are causing chaos for passengers. Air Canada is again heavily impacted, contributing to a large number of the delays. The airport’s operational strain is being felt as travelers face longer waiting times.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport, though slightly less affected than the other two airports, still reports 122 delays and 1 cancellation. Air Canada and Porter Airlines are facing notable delays, with 44% of flights delayed under Porter Airlines alone.

Airlines Facing the Brunt of the Disruptions

Air Canada emerges as the airline with the highest number of delays across the three airports. The airline has a significant number of delayed flights at both Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau, contributing heavily to the disruption in air travel.

Jazz (ACA), WestJet, and Porter Airlines are also facing considerable delays, affecting travelers across multiple routes. WestJet and Porter Airlines are experiencing delays that have further complicated the situation for passengers hoping to reach their destinations on time.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those affected by delays and cancellations, there are several steps passengers can take to mitigate the inconvenience:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check your flight status through the airline’s app or the airport’s website. Airlines often update passengers on the status of their flights, including any changes to boarding times and gates.
2. Contact Your Airline: If your flight is delayed or canceled, reach out to your airline immediately. Airlines may offer compensation or assist with rebooking on alternative flights.
3. Know Your Rights: In Canada, passengers are entitled to compensation for significant delays, especially if the delay is due to factors within the airline’s control. Check with your airline about their compensation policy.
4. Prepare for Longer Waits: Bring snacks, entertainment, and necessary personal items to ensure comfort during long delays. Many airports, including Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau, offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, lounges, and shopping to help pass the time.
5. Alternative Airports: Consider exploring flights from nearby airports if you’re flexible with your travel plans. For example, if you’re at Toronto Pearson, check for flights departing from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for potentially faster options.

Conclusion: Stay Calm and Plan Ahead

While today’s travel disruptions across Canada’s airports are certainly inconvenient, it’s essential for travelers to stay patient and informed. With 542 total delays and 29 cancellations reported, passengers should be prepared for additional disruptions, particularly at major hubs like Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International. Following the outlined tips and keeping a calm attitude will help passengers navigate the travel chaos. Travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and to explore all available options to minimize the impact on their journey.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports