Major Canadian carriers responded swiftly to Hurricane Melissa on 27 October 2025, launching flexible change and cancellation policies for flights between Canada and affected Caribbean destinations. Air Canada’s policy covers departures to Kingston, Montego Bay, Varadero, Cayo Coco, San Salvador and Providenciales between 27–29 October, allowing free date changes or travel credits valid for 12 months. WestJet introduced similar waivers for Jamaica and Holguín routes, while Air Transat operated repatriation flights for stranded tourists.
Sunwing Vacations and other tour operators are working with airlines to rebook holidaymakers once Sangster International Airport reopens on 29 October. Nexus Tours has limited in-person staffing due to storm conditions, so travellers are urged to use mobile apps for updates.
For travel managers, the policies reduce immediate cost exposure and simplify duty-of-care compliance, but they also compress re-accommodation windows during Canada’s busiest southbound season. Insurance brokers note that customers holding “cancel-for-any-reason” coverage should check policy wording, as airline waivers may alter claim eligibility.
The rapid deployment of rebooking options demonstrates lessons learned from Hurricane Fiona (2022) and mild storm delays earlier this year. Airlines have improved coordination with the Canadian Transportation Agency to pre-empt passenger-rights complaints by issuing advisories before widespread cancellations occur.
Travellers should monitor airline websites and register itineraries with their corporate travel providers to receive real-time alerts as Melissa’s path evolves.
Sunwing Vacations and other tour operators are working with airlines to rebook holidaymakers once Sangster International Airport reopens on 29 October. Nexus Tours has limited in-person staffing due to storm conditions, so travellers are urged to use mobile apps for updates.
For travel managers, the policies reduce immediate cost exposure and simplify duty-of-care compliance, but they also compress re-accommodation windows during Canada’s busiest southbound season. Insurance brokers note that customers holding “cancel-for-any-reason” coverage should check policy wording, as airline waivers may alter claim eligibility.
The rapid deployment of rebooking options demonstrates lessons learned from Hurricane Fiona (2022) and mild storm delays earlier this year. Airlines have improved coordination with the Canadian Transportation Agency to pre-empt passenger-rights complaints by issuing advisories before widespread cancellations occur.
Travellers should monitor airline websites and register itineraries with their corporate travel providers to receive real-time alerts as Melissa’s path evolves.
