Thousands of Travelers Stranded in Canada as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Other Major Airports Face 793 Delays and 61 Cancellations, Impacting Passengers on Jazz, WestJet, Porter, and More

Published on December 8, 2025

As Canada approaches its busiest travel season, passengers are experiencing chaos at major airports across the country. With widespread flight delays and cancellations, travelers flying into or out of airports like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal Trudeau, and Calgary are finding themselves stranded, facing disruptions that are causing frustration and confusion.

Toronto Pearson: The Epicenter of Disruption

At the heart of Canada’s airport delays is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which reported an astounding 341 delays and 32 cancellations. Toronto’s sprawling hub saw the most significant impact, with hundreds of travelers left to navigate long waiting times, crowded terminals, and limited flight availability. According to the airport’s own reports, Jazz (ACA) and Porter Airlines were the most affected, with these carriers being responsible for the largest number of delays and cancellations at the airport.

For passengers trying to fly through Toronto Pearson, the situation is complicated further by increased congestion at check-in and security lines, exacerbating the already significant stress of delayed flights. Air Canada and Delta Airlines also contributed to the disruptions, marking a rough day for both domestic and international travelers.

While Toronto Pearson works to resolve the delays, experts advise travelers to check flight statuses regularly and prepare for long waits. Local authorities are urging passengers to consider alternative airports in the region, including Hamilton International (YHM) or Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), for potential relief.

Vancouver’s Struggle: Fewer Cancellations, but Still Significant Delays

Vancouver International Airport (YVR), although reporting fewer cancellations than Toronto, has not escaped the disruption. With 93 delays and 5 cancellations, Vancouver’s airport has experienced a challenging day for travelers. The delays are primarily attributed to Jazz (ACA), which saw a significant percentage of its flights delayed or canceled.

As the holiday season approaches, Vancouver remains a critical gateway for both domestic and international travel, making these disruptions especially concerning. Passengers heading to or from Asia, as well as those connecting through Vancouver on their way to other destinations in Canada, may experience additional strain.

Authorities are advising passengers to plan ahead and check for available flights with alternative carriers, as Air Canada and Delta Airlines have had a substantial impact on operations. Vancouver’s weather, usually a mild concern during winter, has been another factor contributing to these delays.

Montreal’s Trudeau Airport: A Day of Delays

At Montreal Trudeau International (YUL), travelers are not spared the impact of this widespread chaos. With 125 delays and 5 cancellations, Montreal also struggles under the weight of significant disruptions. Like Vancouver, the delays at Montreal Trudeau largely stem from issues with Jazz (ACA) flights, along with Porter Airlines and Air Canada, which have seen multiple delays.

Fortunately, despite the increased cancellations, the disruptions in Montreal do not appear as widespread as those in Toronto. However, passengers flying out of Montreal are urged to keep a close eye on their flight statuses and arrive early to avoid missed connections.

For travelers navigating Montreal’s terminal chaos, the airport is working diligently to keep passengers informed about delays, offering regular updates via their website and social media platforms. Nonetheless, passengers should still remain flexible and expect potential rescheduling.

Calgary: A Less Intense, but Still Troubling, Situation

The disruptions in Calgary International Airport (YYC) are relatively less severe, with 67 delays and 7 cancellations recorded. However, this doesn’t mean travelers are in the clear. WestJet, Air Canada, and Jazz (ACA) have had significant issues affecting their flights out of Calgary, leading to a mixture of frustrated travelers and logistical challenges at the airport.

While Calgary’s situation pales in comparison to the chaos at Toronto Pearson, it remains a critical point of disruption for those heading to and from Alberta. In particular, travelers flying on WestJet and Jazz (ACA) should be prepared for possible delays or cancellations.

To ease the burden on travelers, Calgary authorities are advising people to monitor flight statuses closely and avoid arriving too close to departure times, given the likelihood of adjustments to flight schedules.

Smaller Airports: Affected but Not Overwhelmed

Other major Canadian airports, including Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, have faced delays, though their impact has been more contained. In Ottawa (YOW), there were 55 delays and 8 cancellations, while Edmonton (YEG) recorded 36 delays and 2 cancellations. Passengers here may face lesser crowds, but they should still be ready for some disruption, especially if they are flying with the affected airlines.

Interestingly, Halifax (YHZ) and St. John’s (YYT) have reported minimal delays, with Halifax seeing no cancellations at all. These smaller airports have been somewhat insulated from the widespread chaos affecting their larger counterparts, offering some relief to travelers in the region.

How Passengers Can Navigate the Current Chaos

In this current travel landscape, passengers are urged to take proactive steps to minimize inconvenience:

1. Check Flight Status Frequently: Use tools like airline apps and airport websites to stay updated on the latest changes.
2. Consider Alternative Airports: If feasible, explore flights out of less congested airports such as Hamilton International (YHM) or Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), especially for those departing from Toronto.
3. Arrive Early: Given the increased volume of passengers, getting to the airport well ahead of time will allow for easier navigation through check-ins and security lines.
4. Stay Informed via Social Media: Many airports and airlines are providing real-time updates on their social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram.
5. Know Your Rights: Be aware of your rights as a passenger in case your flight is delayed or canceled. Airlines are generally required to offer accommodations or compensation for significant delays and cancellations, depending on the situation.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery

With the busy travel season upon us, these disruptions might not be a one-off occurrence. Airports and airlines are working hard to improve their infrastructure and operations, but travelers should remain prepared for the possibility of ongoing disruptions throughout the winter season.

It’s clear that Canada’s aviation system is facing a significant challenge this year, and it remains to be seen whether these disruptions will become more frequent as the holiday travel period intensifies.

Conclusion: Patience and Preparation Are Key

In a country as vast as Canada, air travel is crucial, and disruptions of this scale highlight the challenges that both passengers and airports must overcome. As airlines, particularly Jazz (ACA) and Porter Airlines, face operational struggles, travelers must stay vigilant and adaptable.

While the situation is undoubtedly frustrating, by staying informed and prepared, travelers can navigate this period of uncertainty. For those hoping to avoid disruptions altogether, alternative travel options, such as road trips or regional travel hubs, might offer a better experience during this difficult period.