Intense cold forces flight delays, cancellations at Canadian airports
Posted Jan 24, 2026 05:50:40 AM.
Last Updated Jan 24, 2026 01:25:21 PM.
Intense cold weather sweeping the country has led to flight delays or cancellations at most of Canada’s major airports.
Air Canada says in a notice on its website that extreme cold at Toronto and Montreal airports is causing delays, and that customers can rebook at no cost.
WestJet has similar advisories that include airports in Halifax, Moncton and Quebec City, as well as south of the border in Atlanta, Houston and New York City.
From New Brunswick through to Alberta, residents have been hunkered down to wait out a bone-chilling cold snap, such as parts of the Prairies expected to reach lows of -55 C with the wind chill.
Environment Canada says Ontario is bracing for a big freeze this morning, with wind chill temperatures in Toronto and Ottawa expected to range from -30 C to -40 C.
A severe winter storm has been causing widespread disruption across the United States, forcing the cancellation of around 12,000 flights, including some destined for Canada.
As of 12:30 p.m. ET, more than 4,000 flights were canceled Saturday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. More than 8,000 flights were called off for Sunday. Among the hardest hit airports were Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Nashville International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
