Thousands of Travelers Stranded Across Canada as Air Canada, Republic, WestJet, Jazz and More Airlines Face 58 Cancellations and 318 Delays at Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Winnipeg and More Amid Blizzard Warnings

Published on December 19, 2025

Thousands of travelers are stranded across Canada as severe weather impacts major airports, with Air Canada, Republic, WestJet, Jazz, and other airlines facing 58 cancellations and 318 delays. The disruptions are hitting key cities, including Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Winnipeg, amid ongoing blizzard warnings and extreme weather conditions. The snowstorms, heavy winds, and freezing temperatures have led to hazardous travel conditions across the country, significantly affecting flight schedules. Passengers are facing long waits, flight cancellations, and rebooking challenges, especially in major hubs like Toronto Pearson, Calgary International, and Montreal-Trudeau. With the winter storm warnings in place, travelers are advised to check flight statuses regularly and prepare for further disruptions. The situation is expected to worsen, with additional delays likely as snow accumulations and gusty winds continue to affect air travel and roadways. Safety remains a top priority for those traveling through affected regions.

Severe Weather Disrupts Travel in Canada

Blizzard conditions with gusty winds and near-zero visibility are hitting southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, severely disrupting travel in the region. These adverse weather conditions have prompted school cancellations and highway closures. In addition, large parts of northwestern Ontario are under a winter storm warning, adding to the already chaotic travel situation. Wind chills as cold as –30°C have been reported across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, further exacerbating the travel disruptions.

A fatal crash involving three semi-trailers occurred in Broadview, Saskatchewan, highlighting the dangers of the ongoing storm and making travel even more treacherous across the province. Travelers in affected areas are facing significant delays and risk as winter weather conditions continue to worsen.

Airport and Airline Impact

Toronto Pearson International Airport remains one of the busiest airports in Canada, and it has not been spared from the ongoing disruptions. A total of 165 delays and 14 cancellations were reported today, significantly impacting travelers. The severe conditions are affecting multiple airlines, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, Air Canada Rouge, and WestJet.

At Calgary International Airport, 92 delays and 32 cancellations have been recorded. WestJet, WestJet Encore, and Jazz (ACA) have seen their operations heavily impacted due to blizzard conditions, while Air Canada and other carriers are also struggling with flight operations.

Meanwhile, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is facing 61 delays and 12 cancellations, affecting major airlines such as Air Canada, Jazz (ACA), and Air Transat. The disruptions at Montreal-Trudeau, compounded by icy conditions and heavy snow, are creating significant ripple effects across other airports as well.

Analysis of Affected Airports, Airlines, and Cities

Airports:

• Toronto Pearson International has faced the most significant disruptions, with a total of 165 delays and 14 cancellations, affecting a large number of travelers.
• Calgary International recorded 92 delays and 32 cancellations, indicating a slightly lower level of disruption but still considerable.
• Montreal-Trudeau recorded 61 delays and 12 cancellations, which, though less severe, still highlights the challenges travelers face.

Airlines:

• Air Canada has experienced the highest level of disruption, with multiple delays and cancellations across its flights.
• WestJet and WestJet Encore also faced significant impacts, particularly in Calgary.
• Air Canada Rouge (ACA), Porter Airlines, and Jazz (ACA) were also severely affected by the weather, with delays and cancellations impacting passengers’ travel plans.

Cities:

• Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal have seen the highest levels of disruptions, with travelers in these cities facing significant delays and cancellations due to severe weather.
• Winnipeg and Saskatchewan are also heavily impacted by the ongoing storm, resulting in road closures and hazardous driving conditions.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are a passenger affected by these travel disruptions, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Stay Updated:
   Keep an eye on the official website of your airline for updates regarding delays or cancellations. Airlines often offer rebooking options for affected passengers and can provide guidance on the next steps.
2. Check Your Flight Status:
   If you’re traveling through Toronto Pearson, Calgary International, or Montreal-Trudeau, be sure to confirm your flight status regularly. Many airports have live flight trackers available on their websites.
3. Rebook Your Flight:
   If your flight is cancelled, airlines often allow you to rebook without additional fees. However, expect longer wait times during periods of heavy disruption. It’s advisable to be flexible with your travel plans.
4. Prepare for Extended Waits:
   If you’re stuck at the airport due to delays, bring extra food, water, and other essentials to stay comfortable. Airport lounges may also be available to provide a quieter space to wait.
5. Monitor Road Conditions:
   For travelers attempting to reach airports or other destinations by car, it’s crucial to monitor weather and road conditions. Many highways in Manitoba and Ontario are closed due to snow and ice, and extreme wind chills can make travel dangerous.
6. Consider Alternate Routes:
   If you’re unable to fly due to cancellations or severe weather, consider alternative transportation options, such as trains or buses. However, these too may be impacted by the same weather conditions.

Conclusion

With severe winter weather gripping much of Canada, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal airports are experiencing significant travel disruptions. A total of 318 delays and 58 cancellations have been reported across these three major airports today, with Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz (ACA) among the most affected airlines. As the storm continues to impact the region, travelers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses and plan for extended wait times or rebooking options. Safety remains a top priority, so passengers should be prepared for potential further delays or cancellations.

Source: FlightAware And Affected Airports