Passengers Suffer Across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, PAL and More Airlines Hit by 76 Cancellations and 511 Delays, Affect Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, St. John’s and Others

Written By: Indranil Mukherjee

Indranil Mukherjee

I am an SEO content writer with over two years of experience in digital publishing. I hold a Master's degree in English, and since completing my studies, I have been working with Travel And Tour World. I am passionate about creating engaging, well-researched content that informs and connects with readers. I have a keen interest in exploring the social and economic forces that shape the world, with a particular focus on literature, travel, and global developments. Through my work, I strive to deliver insightful, accurate, and SEO-friendly content that helps readers stay informed about the latest trends and stories from the travel industry.

See Full Bio

February 20, 2026 2:17 AM

Image generated with Ai

Passengers are facing significant disruptions across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, PAL Airlines, and several other carriers are hit hard by 76 cancellations and 511 delays. The severe winter storm affecting large parts of the country has caused widespread chaos at major airports, including Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, St. John’s, and other key cities. These delays and cancellations are causing frustration for travelers, with weather conditions like snow, wind chills, and blowing snow significantly impacting flight schedules. Air Canada and WestJet have been particularly affected, along with Jazz and PAL Airlines, who are all struggling to manage operations in the harsh conditions. For passengers, this means altered itineraries and extended wait times at the airport.

A major winter storm and extreme weather conditions have caused significant flight cancellations and delays at several Canadian airports and airlines. With high winds, blowing snow, and extremely cold temperatures gripping much of the country, the effects on air travel have been widespread. The following details highlight the extent of the disruptions and what affected passengers can do to manage their travel plans.

Total Cancellations and Delays

As of the latest reports, Canadian airports have experienced a combined total of 76 cancellations and 511 delays. These disruptions have been felt most strongly in the eastern provinces of Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, where police have even warned residents to avoid placing snow in the roads due to the immense snowfall accumulation. The storm’s impact on operations has led to a challenging week for both passengers and airlines.

Impacted Airlines and Airports

Several airlines operating across Canada have been severely affected by the extreme weather, with Air Canada, Jazz Aviation, and WestJet being some of the most impacted carriers.

• Air Canada has seen the highest number of cancellations and delays, with 21 cancellations and 81 delays, most notably in major airports such as Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), and Calgary (YYC).
• Jazz Aviation, operating under the Air Canada Express brand, experienced 10 cancellations and 51 delays, primarily affecting regional flights.
• WestJet, another major Canadian airline, reported 2 cancellations and 119 delays, with many of these disruptions felt at airports in the western provinces.
• Smaller carriers, such as PAL Airlines and Air Inuit, also experienced disruptions, with 12 cancellations and 26 delays reported by PAL, and 4 cancellations and 24 delays reported by Air Inuit. These regional airlines have faced significant challenges in remote northern regions, including those served by Air Borealis, which recorded 7 cancellations but no delays.

Affected Airports and Cities

The most significant disruptions occurred in airports across Eastern Canada. Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), Vancouver International (YVR), and Calgary International (YYC) were among the most affected, with major delays and cancellations disrupting thousands of travelers’ plans.

• Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) saw the highest number of cancellations and delays, contributing to a large portion of the 192 total delays reported across Canadian airports.
• Vancouver International (YVR) also experienced considerable disruptions, with 10 cancellations and 76 delays.
• In Calgary, snow accumulation and high winds led to 8 cancellations and 112 delays, with the storms wreaking havoc on travel schedules.

However, Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly St. John’s and surrounding areas, were hit especially hard, with shovellers struggling to clear the snow and warnings from police to stop piling it into roads, further complicating travel conditions.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by the widespread disruptions, it is important to stay informed and flexible. Here are a few steps that can help travelers navigate the storm:

1. Check with Airlines for Updates: Passengers should regularly check for updates on their flight status via the airline’s website or mobile app. Many airlines are offering rebooking options for passengers whose flights have been delayed or canceled due to weather.
2. Consider Travel Insurance: Those who have travel insurance may be eligible for compensation, including reimbursement for canceled flights and additional accommodation costs. Passengers without insurance should check the airline’s policy regarding weather-related cancellations.
3. Prepare for Extended Delays: Passengers may need to plan for extended wait times at airports, particularly at major hubs like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International. Ensure that necessary essentials such as snacks, water, and charging devices are packed.
4. Look for Alternative Routes: For those whose flights are canceled or severely delayed, airlines may offer to reroute passengers through other airports. Travelers should contact their airline to explore alternative flight options.

As the storm continues to move through parts of Canada, these disruptions are expected to persist, making air travel difficult for many in the coming days. It is recommended that all passengers affected by weather-related delays and cancellations remain patient, stay informed, and take advantage of available resources to rebook their flights and minimize disruption to their travel plans.

In conclusion, Canadian travelers, especially those flying with Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz Aviation, should prepare for ongoing weather-related disruptions. With the combined total of 76 cancellations and 511 delays, planning ahead and staying updated on flight statuses will be key to minimizing frustration during this challenging winter period.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports