Dozens of flights were cancelled due to a massive storm in Calgary.
Numerousflights were disrupteddue 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 ofWestJet flights were cancelled or delayed due to the heavy rain and hail. The airport is the airline's hub, resulting in issuesacross its network.
Environment Canadaissued 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 toother 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.
WestJetis currently the only airline cancellingflights but other airlines mayexperiencedelays 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
WestJetwill offer assistance to all air passengers travelling to or from the YYC airport betweenAug. 5 toAug. 8.
A $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations.
If travellerschange their destination, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
If travellerschange 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 travellerscancel their bookings, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be returned to theiraccount and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
If travellerscancel 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 travellerschange 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 revisedits 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 canretrievetheir bookingsto change their flights free of charge.
If theypurchased their tickets withAir Canada Vacations, please contact them directly at1-800-296-3408.
Air Canadaalso recommends travellers check their Flight Statusor call Air Canada's automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533 before heading to the airport.
More information on Air Canada'sre-booking policies for anticipated flight delays and cancellationsis available online.
Air Canada is monitoring the situation closelyand will provide updates as the situation evolves.
Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines hasn't posted any waiverson 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.
Calgary Airport 1hour ago😮🌧️ #calgarystorm #LCDLFMX2 #albertahail #calgary pic.twitter.com/BqBJ00q15q
— CarraDeShaukeen (@CarraDeShaukeen) August 6, 2024
With files from the Canadian Press
Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up forV.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer. Since travel deals can sell out, find out the daythey are posted by signing up for ourdaily Travel Deals newsletter.
Want to learn more about a specific destinationor have a travel concern or ideayou would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at[emailprotected]. Send us stories aboutrecent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about.