Calgary Airport: Flight delays, cancellations due to surge in holiday travel

This is the busiest time of year at YYC Calgary International Airport as people return from vacation or go home.

More than 50,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport every day until January 3.

Airport officials expect the busiest days to be Dec. 22, 23 and 27, but many travelers to Calgary were dealing with flight delays and disruptions Monday morning.

“My flight was delayed six hours and my luggage is still in Toronto. It was really bad,” said Louis Xao, who arrived in Calgary at 5 a.m. Monday.

“I'm so tired. I was supposed to get here around 11pm, but I had to cancel my hotel, car rental and everything.”

As of 6 p.m., at least 28 flights scheduled to arrive in Calgary Monday morning were canceled and more than 70 were delayed.

Airport officials say snow and low-visibility weather events in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto are to blame for some of the delays, but passenger numbers, staffing issues, aircraft maintenance and delayed connections from other airports also play a role.

In a statement to CTV News, WestJet apologized to guests affected by the cancellations and delays, saying extreme cold warnings in Alberta and snow in parts of B.C. were to blame.

“We understand the frustration and disappointment this situation has caused, and our teams are working to re-accommodate guests as soon as possible,” WestJet said.

“We understand this has been a very difficult situation for our guests as we have limited re-accommodation during peak travel times. Safety is our No. 1 priority, and we are working with our partners to balance the challenges these weather events present.”

Air Canada also cited winter weather at the country's main hub airports in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto as a reason for delays and cancellations.

There, these airports were forced to restrict ground flights, reducing the number of flights allowed to take off. He also said that the de-icing process that planes must go through during such extreme weather takes longer than expected.

“Because many flights to Calgary originate, terminate or connect through these hubs, any delays at the hubs translate into delays on the other side in Calgary (although we work with airports and our partners to minimize these),” the airline said. statement.

As for the lost baggage, Air Canada said there were problems with the baggage system owned by the airport.

“In Calgary, we have hired additional people from other stations to help process delayed bags and deliver them to passengers. Air Canada is focused on getting passengers and bags to their destinations safely and as quickly as possible,” the statement said.

In addition, YYC says it is aware of the travel difficulties some people are facing.

“We are monitoring the situation and continuing to work with all of our partners — from airlines, airports, security screeners to border agents and government officials — so that together we can deliver a seamless, efficient experience for travelers,” CTV News said in an email. YYC represents Calgary International Airport.

For travelers trying to get home on vacation, their experience was disrupted.

“I was fine in Moncton, but there was an hour delay on my flight to Toronto and then a five hour delay when I got to Toronto,” said Zoe Holyoak, a university student home for the holidays.

“Now my baggage is left in Toronto.”

Air Passengers Rights Advisers advise travelers to keep any and all travel documents.

“Finally, don't be a pushover. If passengers are ready to take action this year and hold airlines accountable for various financial losses, then next year there will be no such losses,” Gabor Lukacs said.

Calgary Airport Authority is asking travelers to plan ahead and prepare for possible delays before departure to save time and make their experience more enjoyable.

“We encourage you to arrive at the airport early,” said Chris Miles, Calgary Airport Authority vice-president of operations and infrastructure.

“So if it's a domestic flight two hours in advance and three hours in advance for an international flight. We'll also be the first airport to offer a pre-booking service to ensure security. A few days before your arrival or departure, check your airline, flight number and security choose a time to come.”

With files from Mark Villani of CTV News Calgary