Thousands of Passengers Impacted Around Canada as Airlines Including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, PAL, Jazz Report 551 Cancelled and 516 Delayed Flights at Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and More

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.

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January 27, 2026 02:12 GMT+5:30

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Thousands of passengers across Canada are stranded today as Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, PAL, and Jazz Airlines report 551 cancelled and 516 delayed flights. The severe winter storm that has swept through the country is causing widespread disruptions at major airports, including Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, and several more. Passengers are facing long delays, cancellations, and in some cases, a complete halt in travel plans. With snow, extreme cold, and gusty winds making conditions difficult, airports are overwhelmed, and air traffic is severely impacted.

As a result, thousands of passengers are left in limbo, struggling to rebook flights and find alternative travel options. Air Canada, WestJet, and other carriers are working to manage the chaos, but the ongoing storm means more disruptions are expected. Travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest information from their airlines.

Major Snowstorm Impacting Atlantic Canada

Overnight Sunday and into Monday, Atlantic Canada was hit with another significant snowstorm, just one week after the first major snowstorm of the season. Environment Canada issued a yellow snowfall warning for all of Nova Scotia, where up to 35 cm of snow was expected. Blowing snow, caused by gusty winds of up to 70 km/h, further complicated travel, reducing visibility and creating slippery roads.

In Halifax, residents struggled to navigate the city due to heavy snowfall and ongoing flurries, and the city’s bus schedule was adjusted to account for the severe weather. The storm has caused widespread disruptions, with some regions experiencing snowfalls for the second time in just a few days.

Airport Disruptions Across Canada

The winter storm has affected several major Canadian airports. The total disruptions across airports are:

• Toronto Pearson International (YYZ): 200 delays and 291 cancellations
• Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL): 114 delays and 100 cancellations
• Vancouver International (YVR): 82 delays and 16 cancellations

In total, 516 delays and 551 cancellations have been reported today. Passengers traveling from major airports like Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International are facing significant delays due to the ongoing storm, compounded by extreme wind gusts, poor visibility, and icy conditions.

Ongoing Cold and Power Outages

The cold weather has not only disrupted travel, but also caused power outages in several parts of the region. In Newfoundland and Labrador, residents spent the weekend facing the threat of rolling power outages, though these were lifted by Monday morning after crews restored power to key stations. However, significant challenges remain as some areas continue to experience extreme cold and snow accumulation.

Ontario and Quebec Facing Travel Chaos

In Ontario, the storm’s aftermath created slippery conditions and hazardous driving across southwestern Ontario, where nearly 17 cm of snow fell over the weekend. Ontario Provincial Police reported responding to around 200 collisions and more than 150 calls for vehicles stuck in ditches. Toronto Pearson International Airport faced significant delays and cancellations, with backlogs continuing on Monday.

In Montreal, a major power outage affected thousands of customers, triggered by equipment failures at a substation during the cold snap. Wind chill values in the region hovered around -26°C, exacerbating the conditions for those without power.

Airlines Impacted by Weather

The following airlines have been heavily affected by the weather, experiencing cancellations and delays across their operations:

• Air Canada: 118 cancellations (21%) and 88 delays (15%)
• Jazz (ACA): 135 cancellations (35%) and 49 delays (12%)
• PAL Airlines: 30 cancellations (33%) and 20 delays (22%)

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

With the storm still ongoing and further disruptions expected, passengers affected by delays and cancellations should take immediate action to manage their travel plans:

1. Check with Airlines: Passengers are urged to contact their airlines for updates on the status of their flights. Many airlines are offering rebooking options for passengers impacted by cancellations and delays. It’s crucial to stay in touch with the airline’s customer service for the most accurate information.
2. Monitor Weather Alerts: Given the ongoing weather warnings, it’s essential to monitor forecasts regularly. Passengers planning to travel by road or taking public transportation should be prepared for possible disruptions.
3. Plan for Extended Wait Times at Airports: Those traveling through airports are advised to expect long wait times as airlines deal with backlogs. Travelers should remain updated on flight schedules, plan for alternative routes if necessary, and consider overnight accommodation in case of extended delays.
4. Prepare for Potential Power Outages: With power outages already impacting parts of Canada, travelers should also prepare for the possibility of power disruptions in airports and nearby areas.

Conclusion

Severe winter weather conditions continue to wreak havoc across Canada, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and struggling with flight delays and cancellations. The worst-hit areas are Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and parts of Quebec, with major airports and airlines reporting a high number of disruptions. With the storm expected to continue, travelers should stay informed, check with their airlines regularly, and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans to minimize disruptions.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports