Toronto storm continues to affect Vancouver flights

A severe weather system struck the Greater Toronto Area on Wednesday, Sept. 2, causing widespread flooding, power outages, damage and travel disruptions. The storm severely damaged the 50,000-seat Rogers Stadium and continues to affect travellers flying to and from Toronto, including those departing Vancouver.

FlightAware reported 184 cancellations to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in the previous 24 hours and more than 400 cancellations overall. YYZ warned Wednesday that air-traffic management measures were in place because of active weather, with delays and cancellations possible for both arrivals and departures.

On Thursday, YYZ said operations were returning to normal after about 40 millimetres of rain fell at Toronto Pearson, but some impacts continued to affect schedules. Travellers were urged to check their flight status before going to the airport.

Air Canada offered free changes Thursday for travellers flying to or from YYZ or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Customers who booked through Air Canada Vacations were directed to call 1-800-296-3408. Flair Airlines said it would offer rebooking or refund options, including travel on another airline where applicable, if no Flair flight is available within 48 hours.

Porter Airlines offered complimentary changes for passengers travelling in and out of YTZ and YYZ from Sept. 2 to Sept. 4. WestJet said all guests affected by Toronto-area weather had been reaccommodated.