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Calgary storm forces flight delays, cancellations: What Vancouver travellers need to know

Dozens of flights were cancelled due to a massive storm in Calgary.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
westjet-flights-cancelled-calgary-airport-hailstorm
Dozens of WestJet flights were cancelled due to a hailstorm in Calgary that severely damaged the YYC airport on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.Photo: @CarraDeShaukeen/X

Numerous flights were disrupted due to a potent storm in Calgary on Monday, Aug. 5.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) says flights are operational following significant water damage to parts of its terminal building at B and C gates.

"While these areas remain closed, we've shifted operations to other gates," the airport stated on X/Twitter.

Dozens of WestJet flights were cancelled or delayed due to the heavy rain and hail. The airport is the airline's hub, resulting in issues across its network. 

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of south-central Alberta late Monday night.

The weather agency had warned of powerful wind gusts, baseball-sized hail and torrential rain.

Travellers departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) should check the status of their flights regardless of what airline they are flying with. Flights heading to other airports, particularly domestically, may also be impacted by the Calgary delays even if they do not stop at YYC. 

YYC shows cancelled flights in red on its departures and arrivals sections on its website.

WestJet is currently the only airline cancelling flights but other airlines may experience delays in and out of YYC.

Travellers on airlines servicing YYC may wish to take note of what to do in case Monday's storm has impacted their travel plans.

WestJet flights

WestJet will offer assistance to all air passengers travelling to or from the YYC airport between Aug. 5 to Aug. 8.  

  • A $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations.   

  • If travellers change their destination, the difference in fare applies.  Any residual funds are refunded.

  • If travellers change to a different cabin, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.

  • Travel must be completed within 60 days of the original departure date.

  • If travellers cancel their bookings, the funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked; Basic will receive travel credit.

  • If travellers cancel their bookings, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be returned to their account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.

  • If travellers cancel their bookings, any portion paid with WestJet dollars or a WestJet rewards companion voucher that has expired or is expiring within 60 days will be reinstated with a new expiry date 60 days from the date of reinstatement.  

  • Any portion paid with WestJet dollars or Travel Bank credit will be returned to a traveller's account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.    

  • Change or cancellation must be requested more than 2 hours before departure.     

Travellers with WestJet Vacations packages departing on the same days will also receive help. 

  • A $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations.   

  • If travellers change their bookings, the difference in package price applies and is subject to availability.   

  • If travellers cancel their bookings, the funds will be returned as WestJet dollars with a one-year expiry date, less any hotel penalties. 

Travellers should check their WestJet flight status before heading to the airport.

Air Canada flights

Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy to make it easier for customers travelling on an affected flight to make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting.

Travellers with affected flights can retrieve their bookings to change their flights free of charge.

If they purchased their tickets with Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly at 1-800-296-3408.

Air Canada also recommends travellers check their Flight Status or call Air Canada's automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533 before heading to the airport.

More information on Air Canada's re-booking policies for anticipated flight delays and cancellations is available online.

Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as the situation evolves. 

Flair Airlines 

Flair Airlines hasn't posted any waivers on its website for travellers affected by the storm but advises that flights may be affected. 

Flair passengers should allow for extra time before their flights and check their flight status before coming to the airport. 

With files from the Canadian Press

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