January 21, 2026 – A severe Arctic blast has gripped North America today, triggering widespread flight cancellations and leaving thousands of passengers stranded at major hubs from Vancouver to Buffalo. As freezing rain and heavy snow pummel the continent, major carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, and JetBlue have issued urgent travel waivers to mitigate the disruption. With flight cancellations today 2026 reaching peak levels this winter, travelers are being urged to check their status before heading to the airport.

Arctic Blast Grounds Flights Across North America

The intensifying winter storm system has wreaked havoc on aviation networks, forcing airlines to scrub hundreds of departures. Reports confirm that WestJet alone has cancelled dozens of flights and delayed over 140 operations across Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Calgary (YYC) as of this morning. The system, characterized by biting Arctic cold and sudden heavy snowfall, has created hazardous runway conditions that are overwhelming de-icing crews.

In the United States, the impact is equally severe. Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is currently facing significant weather delays, with visibility reduced to near-zero in some areas. Data indicates that carriers like JetBlue have preemptively cancelled flights into Western New York to avoid stranding aircraft, contributing to the growing list of winter travel disruptions affecting the eastern seaboard.

Airline Travel Waivers 2026: What You Need to Know

In response to the chaos, airlines have activated flexible rebooking policies. Travelers affected by the storm should immediately check for airline travel waivers 2026 to avoid fees.

Air Canada Travel Advisory

Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy for passengers traveling through Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Ottawa (YOW). For tickets issued on or before January 20, 2026, the airline is waiving change fees. Specifically for Toronto, the airline has advised agents to use the endorsement code ACAYYZTEM26 for ticket exchanges. Passengers are permitted one free change for travel dates between January 21 and January 26, provided they rebook in the same cabin.

WestJet Flight Status Updates

WestJet has issued winter storm advisories for multiple regions, including Southern Ontario and British Columbia. The airline is offering flexible change/cancel options for guests traveling to or from affected airports. Passengers are strongly advised to monitor WestJet flight status updates via the airline's mobile app, as call center wait times have spiked due to the volume of disrupted travelers.

JetBlue and US Carriers

JetBlue has issued a fee waiver for customers traveling to and from Buffalo (BUF) and other Northeast airports through January 23, 2026. Customers with cancelled flights can opt for a full refund to the original form of payment or rebook without fare differences within the specified window.

Airport Operations Struggle with De-Icing Delays

The sheer volume of precipitation has led to a logistical bottleneck on the ground. At Vancouver International Airport, de-icing pads are operating at maximum capacity, causing departure delays of up to three hours. Similarly, Buffalo airport weather delays have compounded as ground crews battle rapidly accumulating snow to keep runways clear.

"Safety is our primary concern," stated an airport spokesperson in Toronto. "The combination of freezing rain and low temperatures means de-icing fluid is effective for a shorter window, requiring aircraft to be treated right before takeoff. This process takes time, but it is non-negotiable for safe flight operations."

Traveler Advice: How to Navigate the Disruption

If you are scheduled to fly today or tomorrow, experts recommend the following steps to minimize stress:

  • Verify Flight Status: Do not leave for the airport without confirming your flight is operating. Use the airline's official app for the most real-time data on flight cancellations today 2026.
  • Rebook Online: If your flight is cancelled, use self-service tools on the airline's website rather than calling customer service to secure a new seat faster.
  • Know Your Rights: Under current regulations, if your flight is cancelled for reasons within the airline's control (like crew scheduling), you may be entitled to compensation. However, weather-related cancellations generally do not qualify for cash compensation, though airlines must rebook you.

As the Arctic blast continues to move east, further winter travel alerts are expected. Travelers are advised to monitor local weather forecasts and airline announcements closely throughout the week.