Flight cancellations at YVR airport as region hit with snow

As municipalities across Metro Vancouver prepare for the first big snowfall of the season, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is also in full prep mode.

Part of that prep has led to some flight cancellations and delays.

According to Air Canada, the Vancouver Airport Authority has “implemented a reduced rate of departures in preparation for the forecasted snow conditions.”

“To comply with YVR’s reductions, Air Canada has cancelled some flights – primarily Air Canada Express flights to/from regional markets operated by Jazz,” a statement to OMNI News reads.

Passengers are being asked to check the status of their flight before heading out, with Air Canada noting anyone on an affected flight will be rebooked at no additional cost.

“While we don’t have numbers of affected flights or passengers to give, we can confirm some passengers have been rebooked to earlier flights today, and the remaining passengers are being rebooked on flights tomorrow afternoon and later.  We will continue to monitor the weather trajectory closely, and adjust our operations as required,” Air Canada’s statement added.

Plane stuck causes delays 

In a statement from YVR, it says a plane went off the runway and is stuck in the grass. This is causing delays at the airport, as the North runway is closed for arrivals.

But the airport says it remains “fully operational,” as the South runway continues to take both arriving and departing flights.

YVR’s snow response in full swing

YVR says it is “fully mobilizing” its snow response to address the anticipated snow, adding crews will do what they can to get flights out “as quickly and safely as possible.”

Passengers are being encouraged to give themselves extra time getting to and from the airport, as well as getting through check-in and security.

Related articles: 

• Season’s first significant snowfall to hit B.C.’s South Coast

• Metro Vancouver shelters open as temperatures drop

If you can, you’re being told to consider taking the Canada Line to the airport. If driving, make sure to budget more time for potential delays on the roads.

Prior to leaving, people are also asked to check the status of their flight either through YVR’s website or that of their airline.

Snowfall warnings for South Coast, E & Central Island and Victoria. 10-25 cm possible. Starts this afternoon, turns to rain overnight. Could be over by Wednesday daybreaks. #BCStorm #Snow #Snowvember @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/BSFVLDlRdG

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) November 29, 2022

“Keep in mind that delays can be attributed to a variety of reasons, including inclement weather in other parts of the province or country,” the airport warns.

CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss says the Lower Mainland is expected to see 10 to 20 centimetres of snow through this system, though some areas may see more or less.

“Snowfall warnings [have been] issued for all of Metro Vancouver,” he explained Tuesday. “Right now, it looks like everyone is going to see snow. Timing, 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., we’ll start to see some light flurries, ramping up through this evening, so if you can, get your day wrapped up a little early and get home and out of the snow.”

Kuss notes snow will transition to rain Wednesday.

The airport says its snow preparation begins in the late summer. During a major storm, YVR says it uses “up to 80 pieces of snow removal equipment,” including three machines designed to melt tons of snow every hour and de-icing gear.

“YVR’s snow-response fleet could clear the full length and width of Granville Street in less than 15 minutes,” a video from the airport explains.

This year, YVR says it’s piloting an electric de-icing truck for the first time, as it works to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.

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Flight cancellations to and from YVR can be found here.

-With files from Sonia Aslam