Arctic cold snap and winter storms ground hundreds of flights across Canada and US, stranding thousands of travellers

Core Insights - A severe cold snap in Canada has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, particularly affecting major airports like Toronto Pearson International Airport [6][5] - Over 20% of flights at Toronto Pearson were cancelled and another 20% delayed between Friday and Saturday due to the extreme weather conditions [6] - The cold weather is expected to persist, with forecasts predicting 15 to 30 centimeters of snow and wind gusts up to 50 km/h [3][6] Airline Operations - Airlines such as WestJet and Air Canada are experiencing significant operational disruptions, with Air Canada allowing customers to rebook flights without fees due to severe cold affecting Toronto and Montreal airports [5][6] - WestJet has warned of disruptions across eastern Canada and major US hubs, indicating a broader impact on air travel in the region [5][6] Weather Impact - Environment Canada reported wind chill values dropping below -30°C in Toronto and Ottawa, with extreme cold conditions extending from New Brunswick to Alberta, where wind chills could reach -55°C [5][6] - The deep freeze is expected to last through the weekend, contributing to ongoing travel challenges for passengers [3][6]