Major Travel Disruptions Hit Canada as WestJet Encore, Air Canada, Jazz, Porter, and More Airlines Face 45 Cancellations and 325 Delays in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Kelowna
Published on
November 24, 2025
Major travel disruptions have struck Canada, with WestJet Encore, Air Canada, Jazz, Porter Airlines, and several other carriers facing severe interruptions. Today, a total of 45 cancellations and 325 delays have been reported across key airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Kelowna. Passengers flying through these cities are experiencing significant travel chaos as a result. Airlines, including WestJet Encore and Air Canada, have been hit hardest, with numerous flights either cancelled or delayed. These disruptions are not limited to domestic flights; international routes to the US, Europe, and Asia have also been impacted. This has caused frustration for thousands of travellers, leaving many stranded or forced to rearrange their travel plans. As airlines scramble to manage the backlog, affected passengers are urged to stay updated and remain patient.
Total Disruptions in Canadian Airports
Today, a staggering 370 flights have been impacted by delays and cancellations across Canada. With 45 cancellations and 325 delays, airports have been grappling with the fallout. The total number of disruptions includes a mix of both short-term delays and more significant cancellations, leading to a chaotic experience for passengers trying to reach their destinations.
Vancouver International Airport: 14 Cancellations and 64 Delays
At Vancouver International Airport, 14 flights have been cancelled, and 64 have been delayed. WestJet Encore is the airline most affected, with 15% of its scheduled flights cancelled and nearly half of its flights delayed. Other airlines such as Air Canada, Jazz (ACA), and Pacific Coastal Airlines have seen notable delays.
- WestJet Encore: Leading the disruptions, with 15% of cancellations and nearly half of its flights delayed.
- Air Canada: Has seen delays on 7 flights, contributing to the total disruption.
- Jazz (ACA): Affected by delays on 5 flights, adding to the strain on operations.
- Pacific Coastal Airlines: Affected by a couple of delays, further contributing to the operational challenges.
- Other carriers: Including China Airlines, Flair Airlines, and Porter Airlines, have experienced smaller delays.
Toronto Pearson International: 10 Cancellations and 153 Delays
Toronto Pearson has witnessed 10 cancellations and a staggering 153 delays today. WestJet Encore again leads the disruption, with cancellations affecting nearly 30% of its scheduled flights. Air Canada and Porter Airlines have also been impacted by delays. Passengers at Pearson should be prepared for longer waiting times as operations struggle to get back on track.
- WestJet Encore: Around 30% of its flights were cancelled, with a large portion of its operations delayed as well.
- Air Canada: Has been significantly impacted by delays, particularly affecting domestic and international routes.
- Porter Airlines: Faced notable delays, adding to the backlog of passengers.
- Flair Airlines and United: Also contributed to the overall delay figures with smaller disruptions.
Calgary International Airport: 6 Cancellations and 35 Delays
Calgary International has been another hotspot of disruption, with 6 cancellations and 35 delays. WestJet Encore again leads the way, making up the bulk of the cancellations. Air Canada and Jazz (ACA) have been experiencing delays, while smaller carriers like Flair Airlines and Central Mountain are also seeing a number of their flights delayed.
- WestJet Encore: Accounted for the bulk of cancellations, with 6 flights cancelled and several others delayed.
- Air Canada: Delays on 6 flights have further compounded the chaos at the airport.
- Jazz (ACA): Experiencing delays, particularly on smaller regional routes.
- Other airlines: Including Flair Airlines and Central Mountain, reported delays but on a much smaller scale.
Montreal-Trudeau International: 5 Cancellations and 59 Delays
At Montreal-Trudeau, 5 cancellations and 59 delays have been reported. Air Canada and Jazz (ACA) have seen significant disruptions, with delays affecting many of their flights. Additionally, smaller international carriers such as Air Transat, WestJet, and Air France are also facing delays.
- Air Canada: Saw significant delays affecting domestic and international flights, with a few cancellations as well.
- Jazz (ACA): Contributed to the delay statistics, with delays on multiple regional flights.
- Air Transat: Affected by delays, particularly on international routes.
- WestJet: Faced operational delays on several of its flights.
- Other carriers: Including Air France, Swiss, and Emirates, faced delays on international services, particularly affecting passengers heading to Europe.
Kelowna International Airport: 10 Cancellations and 14 Delays
In Kelowna, 10 cancellations and 14 delays have been recorded. WestJet Encore has been particularly impacted, with 27% of its flights cancelled, while several smaller regional carriers have also experienced delays. Passengers travelling through Kelowna today have faced considerable interruptions to their plans.
- WestJet Encore: The primary airline affected, with 27% of its flights cancelled and others delayed.
- Central Mountain: Reported delays on 2 flights, contributing to the overall disruption.
- Pacific Coastal Airlines: Saw delays on several flights, leading to congestion in the airport.
- Air Canada Rouge (ACA): Affected by some delays as well.
- Other carriers: Including WestJet, which had a small number of delayed flights, further adding to the total disruptions.
Analysis: Which Cities and Airports Are Most Affected?
Across Canada, Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary are the hardest hit airports. Vancouver has reported the highest number of delays at 64, closely followed by Toronto Pearson at 153 delays. However, the cancellation rates are higher in smaller airports like Kelowna, where 27% of flights were cancelled.
The analysis indicates that larger airports like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International have been affected by higher numbers of delays but relatively fewer cancellations. On the other hand, regional airports like Kelowna and Calgary have seen more cancellations, indicating a ripple effect on smaller carriers that may not have the same flexibility in handling disruptions.
What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?
For passengers caught up in today’s disruptions, there are a few immediate steps they can take to mitigate the impact:
- Check with Airlines for Updates
Passengers are advised to check their flight status frequently. Many airlines provide real-time updates on their websites or through mobile apps, helping travellers stay informed about cancellations or delays. - Rebook Flights
If your flight has been cancelled, airlines will often offer rebooking options on the next available flights. Be prepared for the possibility of longer waiting times, especially at larger airports where the backlog may take hours to clear. - Know Your Rights
In case of significant delays or cancellations, passengers may be entitled to compensation, meal vouchers, or hotel accommodations. Ensure you understand the airline’s policy on these matters. - Prepare for Extended Wait Times
With over 300 delays across Canadian airports, passengers should plan for extended waiting times at check-in counters, security, and boarding gates. Patience will be key as staff work to resolve the backlogs. - Stay Calm and Seek Assistance
Airport staff are trained to help with disruptions, so don’t hesitate to approach them for assistance, whether it’s for finding new flight options or for more information about compensation.
Conclusion
Travel disruptions in Canada are certainly causing headaches for passengers across the country. With over 325 delays and 45 cancellations reported today, the situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible. Airlines and airport authorities are working hard to resolve the issues, but passengers are urged to stay updated and flexible in their travel plans. Whether you’re flying through Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, or Kelowna, it’s vital to be prepared for longer waiting times and potential changes to your itinerary.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports
