Air Canada Scraps Over 220 Flights Due to Winter Storm Fern, Affecting Travel Through U.S., Canada and Europe, Including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, New York, Frankfurt, London, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and More

Air Canada has been forced to scrap over 220 flights as Winter Storm Fern continues to disrupt travel across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This powerful storm, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and hazardous conditions, has severely impacted key airports and cities. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are among the hardest-hit destinations in Canada, while major U.S. cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles have also seen cancellations. Frankfurt and London are experiencing similar disruptions in Europe, affecting international travel. With widespread delays and cancellations, Air Canada is working tirelessly to help passengers rebook and find alternatives.

Winter Storm Fern has caused widespread disruptions across the United States, severely impacting air travel. Over the weekend, severe snowstorms, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures wreaked havoc across the country, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of flights. Airports in major cities have been among the hardest hit, particularly affecting air travel from the East Coast to the West Coast. This disruption is particularly notable for Air Canada, with significant cancellations and delays affecting both domestic and international flights.

Impact of Winter Storm Fern on Air Canada Flights

Air Canada, one of Canada’s largest airlines, has seen over 220 flights canceled, with nearly 76 flights delayed due to the extreme winter weather. The airline’s operations out of Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) have been particularly affected, as the airport is a hub for both domestic and international flights.

Total Cancellations
As of the latest updates, Air Canada has canceled 221 flights, representing 40% of its scheduled operations. These cancellations have caused significant delays and rerouting issues, affecting passengers traveling to and from major hubs like Vancouver (CYVR), Montreal-Trudeau (CYUL), and San Francisco (KSFO).

Total Delays
A total of 76 Air Canada flights have experienced delays, amounting to 13% of the airline’s scheduled departures. Many of these delays have been caused by de-icing procedures, icy runway conditions, and the operational impact of the storm. Passengers have faced long waiting times as weather conditions and safety precautions continue to cause delays in takeoffs and landings.

Airports and Cities Most Affected

Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), as the primary hub for Air Canada, has been the epicenter of cancellations and delays, affecting domestic and international flights. Major routes to cities such as Montreal, Vancouver, and San Diego have been particularly impacted, causing widespread disruptions for passengers.

• Vancouver International Airport (CYVR): Both inbound and outbound flights from Vancouver have been heavily delayed and canceled, with the majority of delays happening for flights to Toronto. This has caused chaos, especially for passengers traveling during the peak hours of the storm.
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (CYUL): Flights between Toronto and Montreal have also been severely affected, with a significant portion of flights canceled over the weekend. The delay in air traffic has been compounded by icy conditions at both Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau airports, affecting timely departures.
• San Diego International Airport (KSAN): Flights between Toronto and San Diego were canceled, with Air Canada’s operations to this destination severely disrupted by the storm. Many passengers have been left stranded, looking for alternative flights or accommodations.
• New York LaGuardia (KLGA) and Washington D.C. (IAD) airports have seen flights delayed or diverted as snow and freezing temperatures continued to wreak havoc on the Eastern seaboard.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers with canceled flights, Air Canada is offering rebooking options. Affected travelers should contact the airline through its customer service line or use the online rebooking tool to find alternative flights. If you have purchased travel insurance, check with your provider to see if compensation is available for additional expenses, such as accommodation or meals due to long delays.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly before heading to the airport. Air Canada’s website and mobile app provide real-time updates, while the airline’s customer service team can help with rebooking and refund requests.

Pro Tips for Affected Travelers

1. Sign up for flight alerts: Keep track of your flight status through Air Canada’s official website or mobile app. Opt for email or SMS notifications for up-to-date information.
2. Plan for delays: If you are traveling from major airports like Toronto Pearson or Vancouver, expect extended wait times at check-in and security due to high volumes of rebooked passengers.
3. Consider alternate routes: If your flight is canceled, look into alternative routes with other airlines or through other hubs, as it may help you avoid further delays.

Winter Storm Fern’s Lasting Effects

The full impact of Winter Storm Fern is still unfolding, but the disruption to air travel has already caused significant strain on airlines, especially Air Canada. With over 40% of Air Canada flights canceled and 13% delayed, passengers are left facing long hours at the airport, frustrating delays, and complicated rebooking processes. Travelers are urged to stay in close contact with the airline for further updates and to explore all rebooking options available.

As the storm moves across the country, it is essential to stay prepared for further disruptions. Travelers should plan ahead, check for real-time flight status updates, and keep in mind that this winter storm has created a ripple effect on air travel across the U.S. and Canada.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports