Passengers Stranded Across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, United, Jazz and Other Airlines Face 20 Cancellations and 357 Delays in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, Victoria and Beyond

Published on December 23, 2025

As severe weather wreaks havoc across Canada, passengers are facing significant disruptions. Air Canada, WestJet, United, Jazz, and other major airlines have been forced to cancel 20 flights and delay 357 others, stranding travelers in cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Victoria and Edmonton. These widespread disruptions have left many passengers scrambling for alternative options. The delays and cancellations, largely caused by strong winds and heavy snowfall, have affected multiple flights both domestically and internationally. Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Edmonton are the hardest hit, with travelers enduring long waits and uncertain flight statuses. Air Canada and WestJet are the hardest-hit carriers, experiencing the highest number of disruptions. As the weather conditions persist, passengers are urged to stay informed and check flight statuses regularly to navigate the ongoing travel chaos.

Airport and Airline Analysis: What’s Behind the Disruptions?

The data reveals a considerable number of delays and cancellations at four major airports in Canada, impacting several airlines.

• Vancouver International (YVR) experienced a total of 357 delays and 20 cancellations across various airlines. Air Canada and Jazz (ACA) were the most affected, with Air Canada reporting 27 delayed flights (18%) and 5 cancellations (3%). Jazz (ACA) had 26 delayed flights (20%) and 2 cancellations (1%). WestJet also saw 21 delays (25%) but no cancellations.
• Calgary International (YYC) faced 357 delays and 20 cancellations as well, with WestJet, Air Canada, and United Airlines being among the hardest hit. WestJet saw 48 delays (24%) and 2 cancellations (1%), while Air Canada reported 13 delays (29%) and 2 cancellations (4%).
• Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL) saw 57 delays and 5 cancellations across multiple airlines. Air Canada had the highest number of delays with 31 flights delayed (22%), while Porter Airlines faced 2 cancellations (4%) and 6 delays (13%).
• Edmonton International (YEG) had 357 delays and 20 cancellations across various airlines. WestJet Encore, in particular, faced 43 delays (50%) but no cancellations, with Jazz (ACA) and Porter Airlines also reporting multiple delays.

Airlines and Cities Most Affected

• Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz (ACA) are among the hardest hit carriers, accounting for a large percentage of delays and cancellations. Other airlines such as United, Porter, and WestJet Encore have also been significantly impacted.
• Cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Edmonton have all seen major disruptions. These cities are crucial hubs for domestic and international travel, meaning these delays affect both local and international connections.

Reasons Behind the Disruptions: Weather Warnings and Hazardous Conditions

• Strong Winds: Metro Vancouver, including cities like Richmond, Delta, Surrey, and Langley, along with the Sunshine Coast and Southern Gulf Islands, are facing wind gusts of up to 90 km/h. The strongest winds are expected near Tsawwassen and Boundary Bay. These gusty conditions have led to B.C. Ferries canceling numerous sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, severely impacting ferry travel.
• Heavy Snowfall: The Southern Interior and Haida Gwaii regions are also affected by heavy snowfall. Manning Provincial Park is expected to see up to 15 centimetres of snow, causing hazardous conditions along Highway 3 and the Coquihalla Highway. This has resulted in difficult driving conditions, with reduced visibility and areas of slushy and compact snow. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use appropriate winter tires and chains.
• Flooding and Road Closures: A 46-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park Resort remains closed due to flooding and is expected to stay closed for several weeks. The flooding and closures further hinder travel in the region, adding to the travel chaos.
• Arctic Outflow: In the Skeena region, including Terrace and Kitimat, an arctic outflow warning is in effect, with temperatures expected to drop between -9°C and -11°C, and wind chills potentially reaching -20°C. These extreme cold conditions pose serious risks, including frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those venturing outdoors without adequate protection.
• Utility Outages and Tree Damage: Heavy snowfall and winds in regions like Haida Gwaii and the Southern Interior may also lead to utility outages and tree damage, adding to the severity of the weather disruptions.

These extreme weather conditions, combined with flooding, strong winds, and heavy snowfall, have caused widespread travel disruptions across B.C. Passengers are urged to stay informed about weather conditions, check for real-time updates on travel disruptions, and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans to avoid delays and ensure safety.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are an affected passenger at one of the Canadian airports mentioned, here are some immediate actions you can take:

• Check for Updates: Constantly check for real-time updates on your flight status. Many airlines offer mobile apps and websites to provide the latest information.
• Reach Out to Airlines: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact your airline to inquire about rebooking options. Many airlines are offering free rebooking for affected passengers.
• Consider Alternative Airports: If possible, explore alternative airports or flights. For example, Calgary passengers may want to check if there are alternative flights out of Edmonton or Vancouver.
• Prepare for Extended Wait Times: Some delays may last for several hours, and cancellations could lead to overnight stays. Be prepared by bringing essential items such as snacks, water, and portable chargers.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the significant delays and cancellations at key Canadian airports such as Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Edmonton are creating chaos for travelers. The airlines most impacted, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz (ACA), are working to address the situation, but passengers should remain vigilant, stay updated on their flight statuses, and be prepared for potential disruptions.

With 357 total delays and 20 cancellations across the four airports, it’s clear that many travelers will experience significant setbacks. But with a bit of preparation and flexibility, passengers can still navigate the challenges posed by these ongoing travel disruptions.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports