Hundreds of Passengers Isolated in Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, American and More Airlines Face 105 Cancellations and 291 Delays at Halifax, Calgary, Montreal, Ontario, Toronto, Quebec and Beyond

Published on
February 13, 2026

Hundreds of passengers are isolated across Canada as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, American, and more airlines face a wave of 105 cancellations and 291 delays. This disruption has affected major cities like Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, and many smaller regions in Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. Due to extreme cold weather, travelers are facing significant delays in flight operations. As temperatures drop and winds pick up, airlines struggle to manage their schedules, leading to widespread chaos. Passengers are left stranded at airports, with long waiting times and uncertainty about their travel plans. The cancellations and delays are severely impacting both domestic and international travel, leaving thousands of travelers frustrated.

It’s crucial for passengers to stay updated on their flight status and make alternative arrangements as needed. Airports and airlines are working tirelessly to resolve the situation, but cold conditions continue to challenge their operations.

Cold Weather Alerts and Its Impact on Air Travel

The cold wave that has swept across Canada has led to numerous flight cancellations and delays, especially in areas like Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. The Grand Erie Public Health issued cold alerts across regions like Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk due to temperatures plunging below –15°C, with wind chills reaching –20°C or lower. These conditions have severely impacted flight operations, especially ground handling and de-icing procedures.

Analysis of Affected Airports and Airlines

As of 12 February 2026, Canadian airports have reported a staggering total of 105 flight cancellations and 291 delays across the country. The Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), the busiest in the country, has seen the highest number of delays, with 122 delayed flights. This significant disruption is largely due to the weather conditions, as de-icing procedures take longer, and delays in boarding and check-in processes increase.

Other major airports have also been severely affected:

• Montreal-Trudeau (YUL): 22 cancellations and 52 delays have been reported, making it one of the hardest-hit airports.
• Halifax International (YHZ): With 6 cancellations and 28 delays, passengers are facing longer wait times and disruptions to their travel schedules.
• Calgary International (YYC): Flights have been delayed with 27 delayed flights and 8 cancellations due to icy conditions affecting ground handling.
• Smaller airports like Kangiqsualujjuaq (XGR) and Kangirsuk (YKG), while fewer in numbers, still reported cancellations and delays that impacted essential travel.

Airlines Affected: A Closer Look at the Major Carriers

Among the airlines, WestJet has reported 16 cancellations and 33 delays, followed by Jazz (ACA) with 15 cancellations and 31 delays. These two major airlines are particularly impacted by the weather, as they handle a large number of domestic flights connecting regional and international hubs.

Other affected airlines include:

• PAL Airlines, with 13 cancellations and 18 delays, experienced disruptions to their regional flights.
• Air Borealis and Air Inuit reported higher cancellation rates, with Air Borealis seeing a 66% cancellation rate, which resulted in 12 cancellations across its network.
• Air Canada also experienced delays, with 77 delayed flights, causing significant operational challenges, especially given the large volume of domestic and international flights it operates.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are one of the many passengers affected by the flight disruptions, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check for Updates: Always check the status of your flight through the airline’s website or the airport’s flight status page before heading to the airport. This will keep you informed about any changes or cancellations.
2. Contact Your Airline: If your flight is cancelled or delayed, reach out to your airline for rebooking options. Many airlines are offering to rebook passengers on the next available flight at no additional cost.
3. Consider Travel Insurance: If your flight has been significantly delayed or cancelled, look into whether your travel insurance policy covers disruptions due to weather. Many airlines and insurance companies provide compensation for additional expenses like accommodation and meals.
4. Prepare for Longer Wait Times: Due to the cold weather, passengers should expect longer wait times both for security checks and boarding. Dress warmly and make sure to pack extra snacks and entertainment.

Conclusion

Canada’s winter weather continues to cause widespread disruptions in air travel, particularly in regions like Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. With 105 flight cancellations and 291 delays, passengers should stay informed, make alternative travel arrangements, and exercise patience as the aviation industry works to address the ongoing challenges posed by the extreme cold. As the situation evolves, it is important to regularly check flight statuses and be prepared for any changes.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports