A significant number of flights were canceled at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop airport on Sunday due to a snowstorm, prompting travelers to verify their flight statuses beforehand. The snowstorm disrupted operations in various municipalities within the Greater Toronto Area, affecting services such as libraries and community centers.
As of 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, approximately 65% of departing flights and 64% of arriving flights at Pearson International Airport within the next 24 hours had been canceled. The airport indicated that crews were actively clearing the airfield, and departing flights were undergoing de-icing procedures to manage the adverse weather conditions.
At Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, 30 departing and 30 arriving flights were canceled on Sunday. Additionally, 14 arriving and 13 departing flights for Monday were canceled by 8 p.m. Sunday. Both Porter Airlines and Air Canada experienced numerous flight cancellations due to the severe weather conditions.
Environment Canada issued a severe orange weather warning, forecasting significant snow accumulation of up to 60 centimeters, particularly in southern areas of Toronto and Mississauga. Snowfall rates could reach five to 10 centimeters per hour, with an expected total accumulation of 30 to 50 centimeters. Residents were cautioned about dangerous travel conditions, including the potential for near-zero visibility at times.
Air Canada preemptively canceled several flights to prioritize the safety of both staff and passengers, as stated by an Air Canada spokesperson. The cancellations were also intended to ensure that aircraft and crew were positioned for a swift recovery post the winter storm. The airline’s goodwill policy allows passengers to change flights without additional charges if they prefer not to travel amidst the disruptions. Passengers will receive updates if their flights are affected.
