Passengers traveling through Toronto and Montreal at the height of the holiday season are facing mounting disruption as a powerful winter storm sweeps across eastern Canada, bringing freezing rain, high winds and hazardous ice buildup that is snarling airport operations.

Airlines are warning of cascading delays and cancellations through at least December 30 as ground crews struggle with slick tarmacs, de-icing backlogs and reduced runway capacity, while meteorologists urge travelers to brace for rapidly changing conditions.

Storm Slams Eastern Canada as Peak Holiday Traffic Hits

The latest system barreling into Ontario and Quebec on December 29 has been described by meteorologists as a high-impact winter storm, combining prolonged freezing rain, pockets of heavy snow and gusty winds strong enough to threaten power lines and disrupt transportation on the ground and in the air. Environment Canada has issued a tangle of winter storm, snowfall, wind and freezing rain warnings across much of the region, with authorities cautioning that dangerous travel conditions could persist into Tuesday.

In southern Ontario, including the densely populated Greater Toronto Area, forecasters expect several hours of freezing rain, with ice accretion estimated in some areas at 5 to 15 millimetres. Eastern Ontario is under particular scrutiny as the system intensifies, with meteorologists warning that the combination of ice buildup and wind could lead to downed tree limbs, slick highways and sudden visibility drops. Renewed concerns about power outages have officials asking residents and visitors to prepare for potential interruptions just as New Year’s Eve plans take shape.

Across the provincial border in southern Quebec, including Montreal and the Eastern Townships, the storm is delivering a treacherous wintry mix. Freezing rain is expected to leave a thick crust of ice on exposed surfaces before transitioning to snow and rain in some areas. Farther north toward Quebec City, forecasters anticipate heavier snow with accumulations that could push up to 25 centimetres in certain pockets. Authorities are urging anyone traveling between Ontario and Quebec by road or air to build in substantial extra time and to monitor conditions closely hour by hour.

Toronto Pearson: Persistent Freezing Rain Pushes Airport to Its Limits

Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest air hub and a key connecting point for transatlantic and transborder routes, is once again at the center of the storm-driven disruption. With freezing rain creating a thin but highly dangerous layer of ice on taxiways, aprons and aircraft fuselages, ground teams have been racing to keep up with de-icing demands while maintaining safe working conditions for staff exposed to wind and sleet.

Airport officials are warning that even when runways remain technically open, the cumulative effect of slower ground operations, extended de-icing times and cautious air traffic control spacing can translate into significant departure and arrival delays. Airlines are also proactively trimming schedules, knowing that a full timetable is virtually impossible to operate when each aircraft turn takes longer than usual. As a result, many passengers are arriving to find their flights delayed by several hours or, in some cases, canceled outright.

Travel analysts note that the storm comes on top of an already stretched holiday schedule, with December 29 and 30 among the busiest travel days of the year. Even relatively minor operational hiccups can ripple through the system in such periods. When a major winter system hits, those ripples quickly become waves. Passengers connecting through Toronto on long-haul journeys are being advised to expect missed connections and to have backup plans in mind, including the possibility of overnight stays if onward flights are not immediately available.

Montreal Trudeau: Ice Buildup, High Winds and a Spike in Disruptions

In Montreal, the icy conditions on December 29 have already translated into a marked jump in flight disruption at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. Local media reports indicate more than one hundred flights delayed and a growing list of cancellations as freezing rain and ice pellets continue across the region. Visibility has been fluctuating, and strong winds are compounding ground-handling challenges as crews battle ice coating gates, service vehicles and aircraft.

The wider Montreal area is also wrestling with wintry conditions beyond the airport perimeter. Authorities have reported a sharp increase in weather-related 911 calls as slick sidewalks, icy overpasses and blowing snow contribute to collisions and falls. Public transit is feeling the strain, with interruptions on certain commuter lines forcing thousands to seek alternative routes. For air travelers, this means journey disruptions can begin well before reaching the terminal, as road congestion and transit delays add yet another layer of uncertainty.

The Weather Network has cautioned that while conditions should gradually improve on Tuesday, lingering freezing temperatures behind the storm will cause standing water to refreeze, threatening a second round of slick spots on roads, runways and pedestrian areas. For Montreal-bound passengers, including those planning quick New Year’s getaways, that warning underscores the need to remain flexible and to revisit itineraries even after this first wave of freezing rain passes.

Airlines Issue Travel Advisories, Fee Waivers and Rebooking Options

Major Canadian carriers are attempting to get ahead of the disruption by posting travel advisories and offering temporary fee waivers for customers whose plans are affected by the storm. WestJet has issued an advisory covering Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal for travel between December 28 and December 30, citing freezing rain and allowing eligible passengers a one-time change without a rebooking fee. While fare differences may still apply for new itineraries, the waivers are designed to encourage customers to move away from the storm’s peak hours where possible.

Air Canada and Porter Airlines have also been communicating with passengers through their websites, apps and social channels, urging anyone scheduled to travel through Toronto or Montreal to verify flight status frequently and to consider voluntary rebooking if their journey is not essential. In recent winter events, Air Canada has acknowledged canceling hundreds of flights over several days while still moving large numbers of passengers, highlighting both the scale of its operation and the severity of the weather-related challenges.

Regional carriers and codeshare partners, including Jazz and other feeder airlines, are particularly sensitive to icy conditions given their higher proportion of shorter routes and smaller aircraft. These flights can be among the first to face preemptive cancellations when forecasts indicate rapid icing and shifting wind patterns. Airport observers stress that even when a traveler’s specific airline has not yet posted an advisory, capacity constraints caused by other carriers’ cancellations can still affect gate availability and overall congestion in the terminal.

Ripple Effects Across Canada and the New Year’s Eve Travel Window

The storm impacting Toronto and Montreal is part of a broader pattern of severe winter weather that has been sweeping across Canada throughout December. Earlier in the month, an outbreak of snow, ice and Arctic cold triggered dozens of cancellations and hundreds of delays across multiple airports nationwide, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The latest system extends that pattern into the final days of 2025, just as New Year’s festivities and school holiday travel fuel another surge in demand.

With freezing rain warnings stretching from Ontario and Quebec into the Maritimes, and blizzard conditions affecting parts of northern Ontario, air traffic managers are grappling with how to position aircraft and crews in a way that limits network-wide chaos. Delayed inbound flights from one region can prevent aircraft from being available for departures elsewhere, a dynamic that often produces knock-on cancellations hours or even days later. For passengers, this means disruptions are not confined to the cities directly under the most severe weather alerts.

Travel industry experts caution that recovery from a major winter event is rarely instantaneous, even after skies clear. Crews must be back in place, aircraft must undergo maintenance checks after difficult operations, and airport infrastructure needs to be inspected for ice damage and refreezing. As a result, travelers planning to fly on December 31 or even early January 1 could still feel the effects of the December 29 storm, particularly if they are connecting through Toronto Pearson or Montreal Trudeau.

What Affected Travelers Should Do Right Now

For passengers currently booked to travel through Toronto or Montreal, the most urgent step is to confirm flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport. Schedules can change multiple times in a single day during active weather events, and departure boards may lag behind real-time operational decisions. Airline apps and text alerts are proving especially valuable, allowing travelers to receive push notifications if a gate change, significant delay or outright cancellation is posted.

Where airlines have published flexible rebooking policies tied to the storm, travelers are being encouraged to take advantage as early as possible. Moving a departure to a different time of day or to a different date within the waiver window can reduce the risk of getting stuck mid-journey or spending long hours in crowded terminals. For those who must travel, choosing earlier flights in the day can sometimes offer more backup options if the original flight is disrupted, as airlines have more subsequent departures to work with.

At the airport, passengers should anticipate longer-than-usual lines at check-in counters and security checkpoints as staff manage rebookings and field questions from concerned customers. Allowing extra time is critical, especially with winter road conditions slowing journeys to the terminal. Once at the gate, travelers can help themselves by keeping boarding passes and identification handy, monitoring screens and public announcements, and approaching gate agents calmly if their plans change. In severe events, airlines typically prioritize safety and operational feasibility over keeping every departure exactly on time, and being prepared for that reality can ease stress in the moment.

Safety and Practical Advice for Navigating Ice and High Winds

While much of the attention is on flight schedules, safety authorities are reminding travelers that the hazards start before they ever reach the check-in counter. Freezing rain is notorious for creating invisible ice on sidewalks, parking lots and overpasses, leading to slips, falls and traffic collisions. Anyone heading to the airport by car, taxi or rideshare should plan for slower travel times and consider avoiding elevated roadways that are prone to rapid icing. Winter tires, reduced speeds and generous following distances are strongly advised.

Inside the airport, travelers navigating between parking areas, terminals and ground transportation hubs may encounter slick surfaces near entranceways and on uncovered walkways. Airport operators typically deploy salt and sand as quickly as possible, but the combination of steady freezing rain and heavy foot traffic can outpace even well-resourced crews. Good winter footwear, careful steps and awareness of wet floor signs become simple but effective safety measures during such storms.

High winds present their own set of issues, often overlooked by passengers focused on precipitation. Strong gusts can affect aircraft handling during takeoff and landing and can force air traffic controllers to change runway configurations, which may slow operations. On the ground, wind can knock over unsecured luggage carts, signage and passenger belongings. Travelers are encouraged to secure loose items, particularly when boarding aircraft via outdoor stairs or walking across exposed apron areas to regional jets and turboprops.

FAQ

Q1. How badly are flights disrupted today at Toronto and Montreal airports?
As of December 29, both Toronto Pearson and Montréal–Trudeau are seeing significant delays and a growing number of cancellations as freezing rain and high winds affect ground operations and air traffic flows. Exact numbers fluctuate throughout the day, so travelers should check their specific flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

Q2. How long is this winter storm expected to affect air travel?
Meteorologists expect the most intense impacts from the storm to continue through late Monday, December 29, with conditions gradually improving on Tuesday, December 30. However, operational recovery at major hubs can take longer, meaning some delays and residual cancellations could continue into New Year’s Eve and possibly the morning of January 1.

Q3. Are airlines offering fee waivers or free changes because of the storm?
Several carriers have introduced temporary flexible policies. WestJet, for example, has posted a freezing rain advisory covering Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal, allowing a one-time change without a rebooking fee for affected travel dates. Other airlines are encouraging passengers to rebook through their apps or websites where seats are available, though fare differences may still apply depending on the new itinerary.

Q4. What should I do if my flight is canceled?
If your flight is canceled, your airline should automatically offer rebooking options on the next available services, either via its app, website kiosks or at airport counters. In severe events, same-day alternatives may be limited. Travelers should accept the best available rebooking option quickly, then explore accommodation, meal and ground transportation arrangements if an overnight stay becomes necessary, keeping receipts for any eligible claims under the airline’s policies.

Q5. Is it safer to drive instead of fly during this storm?
Driving may not be a safer alternative in many parts of Ontario and Quebec, where freezing rain, snow and strong winds are creating hazardous road conditions and triggering multiple warnings. Highway agencies and police are urging caution, reduced speeds and in some cases discouraging non-essential travel. Anyone considering driving instead of flying should carefully review local weather and road advisories and be prepared with winter tires, emergency supplies and flexible timing.

Q6. How early should I arrive at the airport today?
Given the combination of winter road conditions and airport congestion, passengers are advised to arrive earlier than they normally would. For domestic flights, aiming for at least two hours before departure is prudent, while international travelers should consider arriving three hours or more in advance. Always factor in extra time for potentially slow traffic and parking challenges around the terminals.

Q7. Will travel insurance cover disruptions caused by this storm?
Coverage depends on the specific policy. Many comprehensive travel insurance plans include benefits for trip interruption, trip delay and missed connections due to severe weather. Travelers should review their policy documents or contact their insurer to understand what is covered, what documentation is required and whether expenses such as hotels, meals and alternative transportation can be reimbursed.

Q8. Are connections through other Canadian cities less affected?
While some airports outside the core storm zone may see fewer direct weather impacts, the national aviation network is interconnected. Aircraft and crew displaced by disruptions in Toronto and Montreal can still cause delays and cancellations in other cities. Passengers connecting through secondary hubs should monitor their flights closely, as knock-on effects can persist even in regions with relatively calm local weather.

Q9. What can I do to improve my chances of getting where I need to go?
Booking earlier flights in the day, traveling with carry-on luggage only when possible and staying closely tuned to airline communications can all improve your chances of moving when opportunities arise. Being flexible about routing, including accepting connections through alternate cities, can also help. Remaining patient and courteous with airline and airport staff during peak disruption periods can make it easier to collaborate on workable solutions.

Q10. Is it a good idea to book new flights for December 30 or 31 right now?
Booking new trips in the immediate aftermath of a major storm is possible, but prospective travelers should do so with full awareness that schedules remain fluid. Seats may be limited, fares may be higher and there is a risk of additional disruption if recovery takes longer than expected. Those with non-essential travel may wish to consider postponing plans until several days after the storm, when operations at Toronto and Montreal have had time to stabilize.