A snapshot of FlightAware data shows 22 departures were scrubbed across Canada’s three largest hubs on 21 November 2025, with dozens more delayed, as early-season weather and staffing shortages converged. Air Canada, WestJet Encore, Porter, Jazz and Air Canada Rouge bore the brunt.
Although the cancellations represented under 2 % of scheduled movements, analysts warn that even small clusters can strand passengers because many regional routes run only once or twice per day. Adept Traveler estimates the lost seats at 2,000–3,000—a figure that can derail trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific connections during peak holiday banks.
![Wave of cancellations at Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal underscores fragility of winter flight schedules]()
Underlying issues: 1) NAV Canada has acknowledged controller shortages, notably in Vancouver, leading to flow restrictions on clear-weather days; 2) Airports and ground-handling firms are still rebuilding head-counts after last year’s labour disputes; 3) Airlines are operating tight winter fleets with little slack for repositioning.
Advice for business travellers: • Book morning flights where possible and leave at least three hours for domestic-to-international connections; • Monitor airline apps from T-24 hours and rebook digitally at the first sign of disruption; • Secure refundable hotel nights in hub cities if a same-day connection is critical to meetings.
Programme managers should review corporate travel policies to ensure employees are empowered to make on-the-spot changes and reclaim expenses. Given the elevated risk profile, companies may temporarily approve premium-class bookings on routes with no same-day alternatives.
Although the cancellations represented under 2 % of scheduled movements, analysts warn that even small clusters can strand passengers because many regional routes run only once or twice per day. Adept Traveler estimates the lost seats at 2,000–3,000—a figure that can derail trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific connections during peak holiday banks.
Underlying issues: 1) NAV Canada has acknowledged controller shortages, notably in Vancouver, leading to flow restrictions on clear-weather days; 2) Airports and ground-handling firms are still rebuilding head-counts after last year’s labour disputes; 3) Airlines are operating tight winter fleets with little slack for repositioning.
Advice for business travellers: • Book morning flights where possible and leave at least three hours for domestic-to-international connections; • Monitor airline apps from T-24 hours and rebook digitally at the first sign of disruption; • Secure refundable hotel nights in hub cities if a same-day connection is critical to meetings.
Programme managers should review corporate travel policies to ensure employees are empowered to make on-the-spot changes and reclaim expenses. Given the elevated risk profile, companies may temporarily approve premium-class bookings on routes with no same-day alternatives.
