Snowstorm prompts Toronto's Pearson airport to cancel over half of Sunday's flights
Environment Canada issued a severe winter storm warning for Sunday with up to 50 cm accumulation expected
More than half of the flights at Toronto's Pearson International Airport and at Billy Bishop airport were cancelled on Sunday, with travellers being urged to check their flight status before arriving at the airport.
The snowstorm disrupted services in municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday, including libraries and community centres.
About 65 per cent of Pearson International Airport's departing flights over the next 24 hours and 64 per cent of arriving flights over the next 24 hours were cancelled as of 7:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the airport’s website.
Crews were actively clearing the airfield and all departing flights were undergoing de-icing procedures, said Pearson International Airport on social media Sunday.
According to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s website, 30 departing flights and 30 arriving flights were cancelled on Sunday. As well, 14 arriving flights and 13 departing flights Monday were cancelled as of 8 p.m. Sunday.
"Numerous" flights from Porter Airlines and Air Canada were cancelled, said the airport on social media Sunday.
It said Billy Bishop remains open and crews are working to clear the runway of snow.
Environment Canada, which issued a severe orange weather warning, said snow accumulation may near or exceed 60 centimetres, particularly for southern areas of Toronto and Mississauga. Peak snowfall rates range from five to 10 centimetres per hour and a total of 30 to 50 centimetres of snow is expected to fall.
Residents are being warned of dangerous travel conditions, including the possibility of near-zero visibility at times.
Flights cancelled for staff, passenger safety: Air Canada
In anticipation of the snowstorm, a number of flights were cancelled to ensure the safety of staff and passengers, an Air Canada spokesperson said in an emailed statement Sunday.
They added cancellations also help to ensure planes and crews are in place for a fast recovery after the winter storm.
"Our teams are also looking ahead to how the weather is forecast to be tracking and when we can safely ramp up our operations to get people moving again," the spokesperson said.
Air Canada said it's good will policy is in place, meaning passengers can change flights at no extra cost if they no longer wish to travel. Passengers will receive updates if their flights are impacted.
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