Air Canada Slashes Over a Dozen Flights, Interrupting Travel in South Korea, United States and Canada Abandoning Passengers Across Incheon, Houston, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and more, Here is What You Need to Know Now
Home»Airlines News of Canada» Air Canada Slashes Over a Dozen Flights, Interrupting Travel in South Korea, United States and Canada Abandoning Passengers Across Incheon, Houston, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and more, Here is What You Need to Know Now
Published on
August 24, 2025
On Saturday, August 23, Air Canada slashed over a dozen flights, disrupting travel for passengers across South Korea, the United States and Canada. The cancellations, which affected key cities like Incheon, Houston, Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton left many travellers stranded.
With 121 flights delayed and 13 canceled, the chaos unfolded as passengers sought immediate alternatives. This report, based on FlightAware data, highlights the key details of the situation, explaining the widespread impact, affected airports and what passengers can do now to navigate these disruptions effectively. Stay informed and prepared during this travel setback.
A total of 13 Air Canada flights have been canceled, leading to significant delays and disruptions for thousands of travellers. Among the affected flights, long-haul international and short-haul domestic routes have been hit, leaving many passengers in limbo. The flights were scheduled to depart from various international and domestic airports, including major hubs in South Korea, the United States and Canada.
The cancellations span a wide range of flight types and departure times, affecting travellers across different time zones. For example, long-haul flights such as ACA62 from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea to Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) were canceled, impacting both leisure and business passengers. Similarly, several domestic routes within Canada were also affected, including flights from Montreal, Quebec, Calgary and Ottawa to Toronto.
The disruptions have caused a ripple effect, creating further challenges for travellers attempting to reach connecting flights or accommodate last-minute changes to their travel schedules. The cancellations have created a logistical nightmare, especially for those with tightly scheduled connections or critical appointments.
Ident
Type
Origin
Destination
Scheduled Departure Time
ACA62
B789
Incheon Int’l (ICN / RKSI)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 07:15PM KST
ACA1156
BCS3
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Quebec/Jean Lesage Int’l (CYQB)
Sat 08:05AM EDT
ACA590
BCS3
Houston Bush Int’ctl (KIAH)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 07:30AM CDT
ACA303
B789
Montreal-Trudeau (CYUL)
Vancouver Int’l (CYVR)
Sat 08:35AM EDT
ACA136
A321
Calgary Int’l (CYYC)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 08:10AM MDT
ACA1157
BCS3
Quebec/Jean Lesage Int’l (CYQB)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 10:35AM EDT
ACA408
A320
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Montreal-Trudeau (CYUL)
Sat 11:10AM EDT
ACA452
BCS3
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int’l (CYOW)
Sat 12:15PM EDT
ACA413
A320
Montreal-Trudeau (CYUL)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 01:20PM EDT
ACA457
BCS3
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int’l (CYOW)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 02:05PM EDT
ACA460
BCS3
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int’l (CYOW)
Sat 04:10PM EDT
ACA465
BCS3
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int’l (CYOW)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 06:05PM EDT
ACA174
A321
Edmonton Int’l (CYEG)
Toronto Pearson Int’l (CYYZ)
Sat 06:00PM MDT
The disruption has affected a wide range of routes, with international and domestic flights both seeing cancellations. Air Canada’s international routes were not spared, with ACA62, a long-haul flight from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), canceled. This flight, originally scheduled to depart at 7:15 PM KST, was part of the extensive series of cancellations that affected both inbound and outbound international travel.
Domestically, several flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) to cities across Canada were also canceled. These included routes to Quebec City (CYQB), Montreal (CYUL), Ottawa (CYOW), Vancouver (CYVR), Calgary (CYYC) and Edmonton (CYEG). Travellers heading to or from these cities were left to deal with significant delays or rebooking issues, further compounding the frustration.
Not only were cancellations widespread, but delays were also common across the board. Several flights faced hours of delay, further exacerbating the travel issues for passengers. For example, ACA1156, a flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) to Quebec City, originally scheduled for 8:05 AM EDT, was one of the delayed flights. Similar delays were seen on routes to Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary.
These delays were not limited to just one or two routes but spread across Air Canada’s network, affecting travellers in multiple regions. The delays caused disruptions for those attempting to make connections or arriving at their destinations for meetings, vacations, or important events.
Given the volume of affected passengers, the delays compounded an already chaotic situation, leaving many stranded at airports with no immediate resolution in sight.
As a result, these major airports experienced congestion and passengers faced difficulties navigating through already busy terminals. The situation created longer waiting times, fewer available customer service representatives and crowded baggage claim areas.
For passengers affected by the widespread cancellations and delays, the situation may feel frustrating and overwhelming. However, there are a few steps that can be taken to ease the disruption.
Check for Rebookings Passengers should immediately check with Air Canada regarding rebooking options. The airline has likely rebooked many passengers onto other flights and these options may be the quickest way to reach their destination. Travellers should check their email, Air Canada’s website, or mobile app for any updates.
Be Prepared for Long Wait Times Given the number of affected flights, passengers can expect long wait times at customer service counters. To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s important to prepare for extended waiting periods, either at the airport or by phone.
Look for Refunds or Compensation Air Canada offers compensation for significant delays or cancellations, depending on the circumstances. Affected passengers should inquire about refund or compensation options, especially for those whose flights were canceled without enough notice.
Monitor Travel Updates Travellers should keep an eye on the latest updates regarding the flight status, as these situations can evolve quickly. Air Canada is likely to provide further information about delays or cancellations through their official channels.
The disruptions caused by Air Canada’s flight cancellations on Saturday, August 23, have left passengers stranded across multiple international and domestic airports. The scale of the situation, affecting key cities like Incheon, Houston, Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton, has been significant. Based on FlightAware data, it’s clear that these cancellations and delays have caused widespread inconvenience. Affected passengers are advised to stay updated, explore rebooking options, and inquire about potential compensation. By taking proactive steps, travellers can manage the impact of this disruption and continue their journeys as smoothly as possible.
Whether it’s squeezing in a quick camping trip to Ohiopyle or stacking vacation days for a languid week in the south of France, a swarm of Pittsburghers are expected to pack into cars and pile onto flights this weekend for the last gasp of summer travel.
For those traveling somewhere in the U.S this weekend, flights, hotels and car rentals are cheaper this year than they were last year, according to the travel organization AAA.
Summer is the busiest time of year at Pittsburgh International Airport — this summer has been the second busiest at the airport in the past 20 years, according to Bob Kerlik, director of public affairs at the Allegheny County Airport Authority. A wave of new flights have taken off at the airport including daily trips to London on British Airways, a nonstop flight to Los Angeles on American Airlines and a JetBlue flight to New York.
”We’ve seen a lot of people take advantage of those new routes and that’s what is helping to drive some of the growth,” Kerlik said.
A crush of more than 85,000 passengers are scheduled to fly out of Pittsburgh International over the weekend. The busiest time to fly out of the airport is on Friday in the morning or early evening. Travelers should aim to arrive at least two hours before their flight if they’re traveling during peak times, Kerlik said. Passengers can peek at the current security wait times on PIT’s website.
As for those sticking closer to the ground, travelers should plan to hit the road before lunch if they want to avoid gridlock. The earlier, the better, according to AAA. Traffic gets worse as the day goes on, particularly on Saturday — the most congested day of the weekend.
Gas prices around the country this summer have remained low, with an average gas price of $3.32 per gallon in Pennsylvania, on Aug. 27. That’s lower than the average a year ago of $3.52 per gallon in the state, according to AAA.
New direct routes launching in the coming months will connect Italy’s biggest airports with destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Travellers in Italy will have new flight options in the coming months, as several airlines add or expand routes to and from the country’s major airports.
While many seasonal routes to and from Italy are closing at the end of summer, new routes instead promise connections to cities from Porto to Tel Aviv.
Budget carrier Wizz Air is stationing additional aircraft at Naples, while EasyJet is launching new connections from Milan and Rome. National carrier ITA Airways will offer its first direct flights to Mauritius from Rome.
Here’s a list of the new flights confirmed so far for the autumn-winter season 2025.
Milan Malpensa
EasyJet
To Strasbourg, France: Starting Thursday 7th November 2025 – Two weekly flights (Monday and Friday) are listed on Strasbourg airport’s website.
Milan Linate
EasyJet
To Porto, Portugal: Starting Sunday 26th October 2025 – Easyjet earlier this year announced four new flights per week (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday)
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Naples
Wizz Air
The company has said it will base a second Airbus A321neo at Naples airport starting October 2025, expanding routes with a total of 45 new flights to:
Brasov, Romania: Starting Thursday 16th October 2025 – Three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Tel Aviv, Israel: Starting Tuesday 28th October 2025 – Three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
To Chisinau, Moldova: Starting Tuesday 15th October 2025 – Four weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
To Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: Seasonal route extended year-round
Rome Fiumicino
ITA Airways
Mauritius: Starting Friday 7th November 2025, ITA has announced two weekly flights (departing Fridays and Sundays at 10pm, arriving 11.20am next day)
EasyJet
Strasbourg, France: Starting Thursday 28th November 2025 – Two weekly flights (Monday and Friday).
See The Local’s Italian travel news section for more travel guides and updates.
Dreaming of Thailand’s white sands, fragrant street food and lush jungle escapes? The Land of Smiles is looking to sweeten the deal for travellers with a bold new plan: free domestic flights for international visitors.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island, Thailand/Humphrey M/Unsplash
If approved by the cabinet, the campaign – “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” – will run from September to November 2025, giving 200,000 foreign tourists a free round-trip flight within Thailand when they book their international flights through participating airlines or agencies.
Six local carriers, including Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways, are already on board, as previously reported by Euro News.
What’s included?
The government will subsidise up to THB 3,500 (around R1,900) for a return flight.
Each ticket comes with 20kg of checked baggage.
Only travellers arriving by air will qualify (bus and boat entries won’t count).
Existing bookings made before the programme launches won’t be eligible.
Why free flights?
Thailand wants tourists to go beyond well-worn favourites like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai and venture into lesser-visited provinces packed with temples, authentic cuisine, and quieter beaches. The tourism ministry hopes the promotion will generate THB 8.8 billion (about R4.1 billion) in revenue from a THB 700 million budget.
Tourism struggles continue
The move comes as Thailand’s tourism industry battles to regain its pre-pandemic stride. Nearly 40 million visitors arrived in 2019, but the country is now expected to welcome only 33 million in 2025, short of its original 39 million target. Safety concerns and regional tensions have also dented its image.
To draw travellers back, the government has delayed entry fees, lifted visa restrictions for Chinese visitors, launched digital nomad visas – and even floated the idea of casinos. The free-flight campaign may be its most attention-grabbing move yet.
For now, those eyeing Thailand should keep an eye on official announcements before locking in their travel dates.
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