Heavy Snowstorm and Arctic Cold Cause Flight Cancellations Across Canada

A powerful winter storm combined with biting Arctic cold has disrupted air travel across much of Canada this weekend, leading to widespread flight cancellations and lengthy delays at major airports. The extreme weather comes as a severe cold snap grips the country, bringing heavy snowfall, fierce wind chills and hazardous conditions that challenge airline operations and airport logistics.

At Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of Canada’s busiest aviation hubs, more than 20 per cent of scheduled flights were cancelled between Friday and Saturday, while a similar share experienced significant delays, according to airport data and passenger reports. Snow and ice accumulation on runways and taxiways, combined with extremely low temperatures, have made routine de-icing and ground handling operations more difficult, slowing turnaround times for aircraft and stranding passengers.

Passengers have been forced to adjust travel plans, with some reporting trip extensions of many hours. For example, travellers who arrived in Toronto after long international journeys found connecting flights to domestic destinations cancelled or rescheduled multiple times, pushing them to rebook later flights or wait for improved conditions before attempting to continue their trips.

Environment Canada issued alerts for deep wind chills — at times below −30 °C in southern Ontario and Ottawa — which not only complicate travel but also pose risks to human health if individuals are exposed outdoors for extended periods without proper protection. Snow forecasts called for 15 cm to 30 cm or more in parts of southern Ontario, with reduced visibility and strong wind gusts adding to the danger for road and air travel.

Airlines including Air Canada and WestJet have issued waivers, allowing travellers to change or rebook flights without extra fees, and advised passengers to check flight statuses frequently as conditions evolve. Airport authorities deployed substantial snow-removal fleets and de-icing crews to keep runways and taxiways operational, but the volume of snow and persistence of frigid temperatures have prolonged disruptions.

With the cold snap expected to persist through the weekend and into the coming days, passengers and travel providers are bracing for ongoing disruption. Authorities continue to urge travellers to stay informed of weather updates, prepare for possible delays, and follow safety guidance when venturing outdoors amid the intense winter conditions.