WestJet has posted travel advisories covering January 10–12 after freezing rain and high winds triggered operational disruptions at St. John’s, Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa, Montréal and Quebec City airports. The carrier is offering one-time change and cancellation fee waivers, with travel to be re-accommodated within 60 days. ([westjet.com](https://www.westjet.com/en-cr/get-travel-ready/advisories))
While Canada’s aviation sector is no stranger to winter weather, the timing—at the start of the 2026 business-travel calendar—poses headaches for corporate travellers heading to kick-off meetings. Travel-management companies are urging clients to monitor flight status dashboards and to build longer layovers. ([westjet.com](https://www.westjet.com/en-cr/get-travel-ready/advisories))
![WestJet Issues Winter-Storm Advisories for Six Canadian Airports, Offers Fee Waivers]()
For mobility managers who suddenly find their teams rerouted through alternative countries, VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) can simplify the scramble for new or updated travel documents. The service delivers fast visa processing, real-time application tracking and expert support, helping business travellers secure the paperwork they need even as plans shift around weather disruptions.
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, carriers must provide rebooking or refunds for cancellations within their control, but weather-related events fall under a different regime. Nonetheless, WestJet’s voluntary waiver exceeds minimum obligations by covering UltraBasic fares, which are usually non-changeable. Mobility managers should log affected travellers and document costs for potential insurance claims.
Ground-transport impacts are also likely: Environment Canada has issued freezing-rain warnings for Atlantic and central provinces, and airport authorities caution of de-icing delays. Employers with time-sensitive assignments may need to reroute staff through U.S. hubs or shift meetings online. Contingency plans should factor in hotel availability near airports, as local accommodation inventories tighten quickly during storms.
While Canada’s aviation sector is no stranger to winter weather, the timing—at the start of the 2026 business-travel calendar—poses headaches for corporate travellers heading to kick-off meetings. Travel-management companies are urging clients to monitor flight status dashboards and to build longer layovers. ([westjet.com](https://www.westjet.com/en-cr/get-travel-ready/advisories))
For mobility managers who suddenly find their teams rerouted through alternative countries, VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) can simplify the scramble for new or updated travel documents. The service delivers fast visa processing, real-time application tracking and expert support, helping business travellers secure the paperwork they need even as plans shift around weather disruptions.
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, carriers must provide rebooking or refunds for cancellations within their control, but weather-related events fall under a different regime. Nonetheless, WestJet’s voluntary waiver exceeds minimum obligations by covering UltraBasic fares, which are usually non-changeable. Mobility managers should log affected travellers and document costs for potential insurance claims.
Ground-transport impacts are also likely: Environment Canada has issued freezing-rain warnings for Atlantic and central provinces, and airport authorities caution of de-icing delays. Employers with time-sensitive assignments may need to reroute staff through U.S. hubs or shift meetings online. Contingency plans should factor in hotel availability near airports, as local accommodation inventories tighten quickly during storms.
