Canada Faces Travel Chaos as Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, British and Other Airlines Report 29 Cancellations and 226 Delays, Impacting Passengers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, St. John’s and More

Published on December 26, 2025

Canada Faces Travel Chaos as Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, British Airways, and other airlines struggle with 29 cancellations and 226 delays today. This widespread disruption is affecting major airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, St. John’s, and several other cities across the country. The chaos comes as these airlines face operational challenges that have led to significant travel disruptions. While the specific reasons for the delays and cancellations have not been specified, weather conditions, technical difficulties, and other logistical issues are often contributing factors. Passengers traveling through Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and St. John’s are experiencing the brunt of these disruptions, with many flights facing delays or cancellations without clear communication. As the day progresses, passengers are urged to stay updated on their flight status and prepare for potential changes to their travel plans.

Total Delays and Cancellations: A Snapshot

Today’s data shows the scale of the disruptions:

• Total Delays: 226
• Total Cancellations: 29

The majority of delays and cancellations are concentrated at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International, with airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines seeing significant impacts.

Toronto Pearson International Airport: Heavy Impact

Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of Canada’s busiest travel hubs, is seeing a notable number of delays and cancellations. Air Canada, a major carrier at the airport, reports 23 delays (7%) and 8 cancellations (2%), while WestJet and Air Canada Rouge are also affected with delays of 19 (15%) and 13 (18%) respectively. Porter Airlines, known for its regional services, also saw 7 delays and cancellations, contributing to the overall chaos at this key airport. This disruption in Toronto is likely to have a ripple effect across domestic and international flights, as Toronto Pearson serves as a primary gateway for international travel into Canada.

Montreal-Trudeau: Challenges for Travelers

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is facing delays and cancellations as well. Air Canada and Jazz (ACA) reported several delays, with Air Canada alone seeing 20 delays (14%) and 2 cancellations (1%). Jazz (ACA) reported 10 delays (11%) and 1 cancellation (1%). WestJet, though with no cancellations, faced 10 delays (30%) at Montreal.

Montreal-Trudeau’s proximity to Toronto makes it an essential airport for connecting flights, adding to the frustration for passengers. The delays at Montreal-Trudeau, combined with those at Toronto Pearson, may lead to challenges for travelers trying to reach their destinations.

Vancouver International: Regional Impact

Vancouver International Airport, a key airport for flights within Canada and to the U.S., is experiencing moderate delays. Air Canada reported 34 delays (23%) and 4 cancellations (2%), while WestJet, Air Canada Rouge (ACA), and Jazz (ACA) reported a mix of delays without cancellations.

Although Vancouver’s disruptions appear to be more limited than those in Toronto and Montreal, passengers flying on Air Canada and WestJet may still face significant delays, especially for flights to and from major Canadian cities like Calgary and Toronto.

St. John’s International: Smaller Airport, Larger Impact

At St. John’s International, Air Canada has reported 7 cancellations (63%) and no delays, while Porter Airlines, PAL Airlines, and WestJet saw delays and cancellations, affecting passengers traveling from Newfoundland and Labrador. These disruptions, though limited in scale compared to larger airports, still present significant challenges for regional travelers.

Affected Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines

The primary airlines affected by today’s disruptions are Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines. ACA, as the national carrier, has seen significant delays and cancellations at multiple airports, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver. WestJet, too, has experienced a high number of delays, particularly at Montreal-Trudeau, and Porter Airlines has seen cancellations at St. John’s International.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Travelers affected by these disruptions are encouraged to take the following steps:

1. Check Flight Status: Passengers should check their airline’s website or mobile app for real-time updates on flight status. Airlines often provide the latest information regarding delays and cancellations.
2. Contact Airlines for Alternatives: If a flight is cancelled, passengers should contact their airline’s customer service for rebooking options or compensation. Many airlines offer alternate flights on the same day or nearby dates.
3. Consider Travel Insurance: For those with travel insurance, reaching out to the provider may help with compensation for delays or cancellations.
4. Stay Informed: For passengers at airports, it is essential to stay near the gate for the latest announcements. ACA, WestJet, and other affected airlines typically provide updates via their customer service desks.
5. Prepare for Delays: Passengers should make sure to have essentials like snacks, chargers, and entertainment on hand in case of long delays.

Conclusion: A Day of Disruptions in Canada

Today’s travel disruptions across Canada’s major airports have left passengers facing a challenging day of delays and cancellations. With significant impacts at Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, Vancouver International, and St. John’s International, travelers are advised to remain patient, stay informed, and reach out to airlines for the latest updates and rebooking options. The ongoing disruptions serve as a reminder of the importance of flexibility in travel plans, especially during peak seasons.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports