Toronto storm recovery, U.S. thunderstorms trigger Air Canada travel alerts

Air Canada is warning passengers of possible disruptions at Toronto’s two major airports Thursday (Sept. 3) as operations recover from a powerful late-summer thunderstorm that hammered the Greater Toronto Area a day earlier.

The airline has issued travel alerts for both Toronto Pearson airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ) for all of Thursday (Sept. 3), warning that flights “may be impacted due to operational recovery.”

The alerts follow a severe thunderstorm that swept through Toronto late Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 2), bringing torrential rain and large hailstones and triggering widespread flight disruptions at Pearson.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled at the airport Wednesday, with dozens of evening departures also showing as delayed or cancelled as airlines grappled with the storm’s impact. 

The weather also caused disruption well beyond the airports, CBC News reports. 

Toronto Hydro reported that roughly 45,000 customers remained without power shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday, while flooding led to numerous road closures across Toronto.

Severe flooding also caused road closures and transit detours in Vaughan, where officials urged residents to avoid certain areas while cleanup efforts were underway.

Environment Canada has since lifted weather alerts for the GTA. However, severe thunderstorm warnings remained in effect late Wednesday for parts of southwestern Ontario, including areas around London, Niagara Falls, Sarnia and Windsor.

Flexible rebooking policy in place

As operations recover, Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for passengers travelling through YYZ and YTZ on Sept. 3.

Customers whose flights are affected can change their bookings without penalty, space permitting.

Passengers who booked through Air Canada Vacations are being advised to contact the tour operator directly.

Air Canada is also recommending that travellers check their flight status before heading to the airport.

“Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is working to get you on your way safely and as quickly as possible,” the airline states in its advisory. “Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Toronto Pearson offered a hopeful update early Thursday, writing on social media that operations were “returning to normal” following the powerful storm, which dumped roughly 40 mm of rain on the airport.

"Travellers are encouraged to check their flight status directly with their airline, as some schedules were impacted by yesterday's storm," the airport wrote on X.

U.S. airports also under travel alerts

Toronto isn't the only destination on Air Canada's travel alert list Thursday.

The airline has also issued advisories for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for all of Sept. 3.

In those cities, forecast thunderstorms and subsequent air traffic control restrictions could affect flights.

Air Canada has similarly revised its ticketing policy for affected customers travelling through the three U.S. airports, allowing eligible passengers to make changes without penalty, subject to availability.

Travellers are being urged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport as weather and operational conditions evolve.

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