- Flight Disruptions
- Winter storm triggers cancellations at Toronto Pearson; airlines offer fee-free rebooking
Winter storm triggers cancellations at Toronto Pearson; airlines offer fee-free rebooking
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 20 February 2026
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
What Happened
Snow and freezing rain on 18 February disrupted flights in Southern Ontario. By 07:00 EST, over 15% of departures and arrivals at Toronto Pearson were canceled, with impacts also at Toronto’s Billy Bishop, Ottawa, and Halifax. Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter introduced flexible, no-fee rebooking. De-icing capacity reductions added to delays, and travelers were advised to arrive early and monitor airline alerts. Forecasts pointed to intermittent freezing rain through 20 February, with potential for further issues.
Flight Disruption Details
A winter system of snow and freezing rain moved across Southern Ontario on 18 February, disrupting air travel at multiple airports. At Toronto Pearson, the region’s busiest airport, data showed that by 07:00 EST more than 15% of both departures and arrivals had been canceled. The disruption extended to nearby airports including Billy Bishop in Toronto (YTZ), Ottawa (YOW), and Halifax (YHZ). Reduced capacity at de-icing pads at Toronto Pearson compounded delays.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority advised travelers to arrive early and closely monitor airline alerts. Freight activity was also affected, with some belly-cargo rerouted to dedicated freighters operating out of Hamilton (YHM) to maintain time-sensitive supply chains.
Airlines responded with flexible policies. Air Canada introduced a change-fee waiver for tickets to, from, or via Toronto Pearson on 18–19 February, allowing rebooking within 10 days without penalties. WestJet and Porter implemented similar no-fee rebooking options, spanning multiple Southern Ontario airports and certain western cities impacted by the storm. Travelers were encouraged to use airline self-service channels to reissue tickets promptly, as seat inventory typically tightens during weather-related disruptions.
Intermittent freezing rain is anticipated through 20 February, suggesting the potential for additional operational impacts. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates for their flight.
Key points:
- Confirmed cancellations at Toronto Pearson on 18 February, exceeding 15% of scheduled flights by early morning.
- Impacts also reported at Billy Bishop (YTZ), Ottawa (YOW), and Halifax (YHZ).
- Fee-free rebooking options available from Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter, with specific validity windows and coverage.
- De-icing constraints contributed to delays, and further weather-related disruption was possible through 20 February.
- Travelers should check airline notifications frequently and consider alternate routings where necessary.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Air Canada, WestJet, Porter
Airports affected
Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop in Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax
Cities affected
Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax
Countries affected
Canada
Start date
2026-02-18
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
20 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
