Thousands of Passengers Stuck in Canada in Vancouver and Toronto with 67 Cancellations and 437 Delays Impacting Air Canada, Porter, Republic, WestJet and More Airlines

Published on December 28, 2025

Thousands of passengers are currently stuck in Canada, with significant disruptions affecting travelers in both Vancouver and Toronto. The severe weather conditions have led to 67 cancellations and 437 delays, impacting major airlines such as Air Canada, Porter, Republic Airways, WestJet, and others. These delays and cancellations have left many travelers stranded, particularly during the busy holiday period. The cold temperatures and ongoing winter conditions have made it difficult for airports to maintain smooth operations. The situation has caused frustration among passengers, who are desperately seeking rebooking options or alternate routes.

Severe Cold Snap Grips Canada, Causing Travel Disruptions and Power Outages

Northern Canada is currently experiencing an intense and prolonged cold spell, with temperatures hovering between -20C and -40C for weeks. The extreme cold has been a significant factor in travel disruptions across the country, particularly in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, as well as remote regions in Yukon and Northern Canada. The harsh winter conditions have caused delays and cancellations, with Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and others struggling to maintain schedules due to icy runways, snow accumulation, and restricted visibility.

On Tuesday, Braeburn in the Yukon recorded -55.7C, marking its coldest December temperature since 1975. This extreme chill has made it difficult for airports to operate smoothly, especially in regions like Mayo and Dawson, where 16 consecutive nights saw temperatures plummet below -40C, with Mayo reaching -50.4C. Additionally, Whitehorse recorded 10 nights with temperatures dipping below -30C, creating a challenging environment for both travelers and aviation crews.

The severe cold also spread to southern regions, with Edmonton seeing temperatures drop below -28C on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec also experienced similar freezing temperatures. These conditions have affected flight operations, with significant delays and cancellations at major Canadian airports.

Officials have warned that the Yukon could face power outages due to the strain on the territory’s power grid, further complicating travel. The polar vortex has remained stationary over Canada for most of December, allowing Arctic air to spill southward, affecting not only flight schedules but also ground transportation, power infrastructure, and overall public safety.

While the severe cold is expected to persist into the new year, the good news is that the cold air mass is forecast to gradually retreat next week, allowing milder Pacific air to move into Southern Canada and the United States, offering a much-needed break from the deep freeze. However, until then, travelers across the country are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for further disruptions as the cold weather continues to affect daily operations.

Toronto Pearson International: A Hub of Disruptions

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is seeing a considerable amount of disruption today. With total delays reaching 437 and total cancellations at 67, it’s clear that both domestic and international travelers are facing challenges. A detailed analysis of the data shows that the following airlines are notably affected:

Key Airlines Affected at Toronto Pearson

• Air Canada has the highest number of delays today, with a staggering 146 delays and 5 cancellations. With its significant share of the airport’s operations, Air Canada’s disruption is likely to impact passengers across the country.
• Porter Airlines, another major carrier, is facing 36 delays and 8 cancellations, which also affects regional travel.
• Jazz (ACA) and Air Canada Rouge are also experiencing operational delays, with 26 delays and 16 cancellations from Jazz, while 30 delays and 7 cancellations are reported from Air Canada Rouge.

Analysis of Affected Cities and Airlines

The majority of the disruptions at Toronto Pearson are occurring with Air Canada and its affiliates, highlighting that passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes through this airline are facing extensive delays. As Toronto is Canada’s busiest airport, the delays and cancellations here are especially significant, as they have a ripple effect on connecting flights across the nation.

What Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers affected by delays and cancellations at Toronto Pearson International Airport should:

• Check flight status regularly via the airline’s website or mobile app for real-time updates.
• Consider alternative flights if possible, particularly if they have connecting flights.
• Reach out to airlines’ customer service for possible rebooking or compensation options. Many airlines, including Air Canada and Porter Airlines, offer flexible rebooking options during major disruptions.
• Stay informed via social media updates from the airline or the airport’s official channels for any operational changes or advice.

Montreal-Trudeau International: Notable Disruptions in Quebec

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is also seeing considerable disruptions. The total delays today at Montreal-Trudeau are 111, with 18 cancellations. These disruptions primarily affect regional and international flights, with several airlines reporting operational difficulties:

Key Airlines Affected at Montreal-Trudeau

• Jazz (ACA) is the most affected airline at Montreal-Trudeau, with 24 delays and 4 cancellations.
• Air Canada also faces significant disruptions with 34 delays and 3 cancellations.
• Porter Airlines and Republic are also experiencing delays, with 9 delays and 1 cancellation from Porter and 26 delays from Republic.

Analysis of Affected Cities and Airlines

Airlines like Air Canada and Jazz (ACA), which operate regional and international routes from Montreal, are experiencing operational issues. Given that Montreal serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to Europe and other international destinations, these disruptions are causing knock-on effects, particularly for those heading to destinations such as Paris and New York.

What Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers traveling through Montreal-Trudeau should:

• Monitor flight statuses via the airline’s mobile apps and websites to stay informed about delays or cancellations.
• Contact the airline for alternative arrangements or to inquire about compensation options.
• Consider booking through different airports if the disruptions continue to affect their flights.

What Travelers Should Know

In total, Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau are experiencing significant operational issues today, with 437 total delays and 67 total cancellations across both airports. Passengers are strongly encouraged to stay updated and flexible with their travel plans. Many airlines are offering rebooking and compensation options, but long delays and crowded terminals are to be expected. Passengers should plan for extended wait times and remain in contact with their airlines for the latest developments. With a combination of early preparation, constant monitoring, and proactive communication with airlines, affected passengers can navigate these disruptions more effectively.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, Guardian